The International Day of the Girl, October 11, celebrates the power of girls and highlights the unique challenges they face.
It was observed for the first time in 2012 following a successful two-year campaign spearheaded by Plan International Canada that rallied thousands of supporters and the Canadian government to establish this day at the United Nations.
This year, Plan International Canada is spotlighting girls who live in conflict zones, amplifying their voices and standing in solidarity with them.
State of the World’s Girls Report
Our annual global research on girls’ rights
Still We Dream: Girls and Young People Living Through Conflict
Plan International’s 2024 State of the World’s Girls report outlines the impact of conflict on adolescents, after surveying nearly 10,000 young people ages 15–24 across 10 countries.
The survey details how their lives have been upended, with close to half reporting that they miss school, eat less since the conflict began, and worry they might be shot. Over 40% of the girls surveyed feel hopeless.
Conflict is powerfully shaping their futures and those of millions of children. Yet, as the report shows, a majority of these youth have bright ambitions and are eager to have their voices heard in the building of peace.
Learn more in this year’s report about the impacts of conflict, and discover how young women are also lighting the way to a brighter future.
Turning the world around: Girl and young women activists leading the fight for equality
Plan International’s 2023 State of the World’s Girls Report reveals unique insights from girls and young women about the challenges they face when campaigning for change. This global study draws from the experiences of a thousand participants in 26 countries, including Canada. The report sheds light on both the barriers that girls face and also the motivation behind the transformative impact they make around the world.
Voices for change: A study of activism among young women in Canada
To supplement the global “Turning the world around” report, this new survey sheds light on the challenges that young women activists in Canada face, such as safety concerns when engaging in activism, including harassment, trolling, bullying, and physical violence.
State of the World’s Girls Report: Equal Power Now
Girls and young women worldwide consistently feel excluded from politics, according to Plan International’s 2022 global survey of 29,000 girls from 29 countries, including Canada. The research found that they face significant barriers when taking part in political activities and feel poorly represented by the politicians elected to serve them.
Realizing every girl’s right to flourish: A review of progress on the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl
Girls around the world continue to face considerable human rights violations, with little change from 10 years ago, according to Plan International’s report published on the 10th annual International Day of the Girl.
Take action for girls’ equality
Here are two actions you can take to support girls in conflict zones and advance gender equality.
Stay informed
Even in conflict zones, gender inequality shapes girls’ lives.
Join our mailing list and learn how Plan is working to create a more just and equal world.
Get involved
All civilians are entitled to access humanitarian assistance in a conflict.
Many girls won’t, until we are all equal.
International Day of the Girl in the News!
Watch Plan Canada Youth Ambassador Lia Chang, and VP of Communications and Public Engagement Dena Allen talk to CP24 Breakfast about the importance of standing in solidarity with girls in conflict zones.
Special Instagram discussion on girls in conflict
Watch youth advocate Wudasemariam Telahune chat with journalist and Plan Canada Celebrated Ambassador Farah Nasser about how conflict impacts girls’ lives in Ethiopia. From personal stories to insights from Plan’s latest global research report, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Which girls' rights activist are you? Find out with our interactive quiz!