International
Women’s Day

Since you've been here 0 girls have become child brides.

International Women’s Day became official on March 1911 with the support of over one million people who demanded the realization of women’s rights. Today, it’s celebrated by millions all over the world and marks a time to reflect on progress, celebrate the women in our lives and catalyze change.

This International Women’s Day, we are asking Canadians to stand with girls in crisis around the world and help #StopTheSetback on their rights.

COVID-19 is unraveling decades of progress

Because of an increased focus on gender equality and girls’ rights in the past two decades, data shows that significant gains had been made to advance gender equality around the world. But progress is being undone because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This International Women’s Day, we think it’s important that as we celebrate the women in our lives, we commit to catalyzing change for girls. Here at Plan International, we believe girls are poised to take on the future and represent a tremendous engine for transformational change towards gender equality.

As you read this, progress made for girls’ rights is unraveling. Millions of girls are facing dire consequences as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis.

In the next minute alone:

24 girls will have unintended pregnancies due to loss of access to contraception.
20 girls will be forced to drop out or not have access to school.
7 girls will go through Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
1 girl will die from pregnancy and childbirth complications.

See how you can help!

DATA: GENDER EQUALITY IN 2020

Plan International Canada released data showing little progress has been made towards achieving gender equality with 70 per cent of women surveyed saying they have experienced some form of inequality in their lifetime, either due to discrimination or gender stereotypes.

The 1,400 women surveyed in Canada, ages 18-65, believe that gender stereotypes fuel expectations related to appearance, behavior and career choices .

Plan International Canada is calling on Canadians to share their power and help change harmful gender stereotypes so future generations of women and girls can unleash their power within and achieve their full potential.

Stories from our global work with women and girls

COVID-19 Crisis: What’s at stake for women and girls?

Tremendous gains have been made for women’s and girls’ rights before the COVID-19 pandemic. But gains were fragile and are now unraveling because of the pandemic.

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Today's empowered girls are tomorrow's empowered women

Girls who are leading change – These young leaders are working to promote and protect girls’ rights so that ALL girls have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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The Silent and Lethal ‘Shadow Pandemic’

Lockdowns, closures and the economic crisis caused by the pandemic have resulted in an alarming increase in rates of gender-based violence around the world. At this time, it is essential for the global community to stand with and invest in the power and potential of girls.

›Read More

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© 2021 Plan International Canada Inc. Because I am a Girl, and Spread the Net names and associated logos are trademarks of Plan International Canada Inc.

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