When disaster strikes, Plan International Canada is often already present in the impacted community and our established relationships enable us to mobilize people and resources in a timely and efficient manner. Our commitment to listening to the voices of adolescent girls allows us to prioritize their needs, as they are most vulnerable during a crisis.

On this page you will find critical research Plan International has done during and post humanitarian disasters around the world, with a particular focus on adolescent girls.

Halting lives: the impact of covid-19 on girls and young women

A Plan International Canada survey conducted in 14 countries found that, out of over 7,000 girls and women surveyed, about 9 in every 10 girls felt increased anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than half the girls surveyed expressed that social distancing measures have caused a major change in their lives.

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halting lives cover

Halting lives 2

In their own voice: girls and young women on the impact of COVID-19. This report is the second part of the Halting Lives research series, which features three sets of in-depth interviews with girls in 14 countries.

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Close to contagion: the impacts of covid-19 on displaced and refugee girls and young women

The concern about an outbreak of COVID-19 in refugee camps cannot be overstated, but some groups are particularly vulnerable. This report, focused on the impact of COVID-19 on refugees investigates the effects on girls' and young women's education, livelihoods, violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

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Periods in a pandemic: menstrual hygiene management in the time of COVID-19

On any single day during the COVID-19 health emergency, 800 million diverse women and girls are menstruating and grappling with the unique challenges of doing so in a global pandemic.

Periods don’t stop during a pandemic. Coronavirus has made access to supplies harder and in some cases impossible. As some countries emerge from the peak of the pandemic and restrictions on movement begin to ease, the challenge for millions of people who menstruate continues.

Find out more in this new report that reveals the barriers COVID-19 is creating for people who menstruate, with a gendered lens. 

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Discussion paper: reimagining equality: economic impact of an invisible enemy – COVID-19

COVID-19 will impact communities for years to come and has both highlighted and amplified inequality -- particularly for women and girls. There can be no return to normal. The following paper examines the economic impact of this pandemic, and provides recommendations in the areas of food, agricultural and financial systems.

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Going hungry: the impacts of COVID-19 on girls and young women

The COVID-19 pandemic is compounding widespread food insecurity around the world, as some 265 million people are at risk of acute food shortages unless immediate action is taken.

Some communities were already facing severe food shortages and hunger before #COVID19 hit. Now it's much worse, especially for girls who face increase risks of child marriage, sexual exploitation, child labour and teen pregnancy.

Find out more in this new report that reveals information on how to address both hunger and the virus, with a gendered lens.

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Living under lockdown: girls and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is compounding widespread food insecurity around the world, as some 265 million people are at risk of acute food shortages unless immediate action is taken.

Some communities were already facing severe food shortages and hunger before #COVID19 hit. Now it's much worse, especially for girls who face increase risks of child marriage, sexual exploitation, child labour and teen pregnancy.

Find out more in this new report that reveals information on how to address both hunger and the virus, with a gendered lens.

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Technical Note: Early Childhood Development and Child Protection in Emergencies

In emergencies, children are at greater risk of abuse, neglect, violence, exploitation and toxic stress. Early childhood development in emergencies programs can support children's resilience through interventions such as learning and stimulation through play and access to food and healthcare.

This technical note, written by Plan International and UNICEF, supports child protection personnel to program appropriately for 0 to 8-year-old children during emergencies.

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Childhood Interrupted: Children’s Voices from the Rohingya Crisis

Approximately 688,000 refugees fled Myanmar's Rakhine state, following an extreme escalation of violence, and sought safety in neighbouring Bangladesh. More than half of them were under 18.

The report highlights the views, hopes and desires of children affected by the Rohingya crisis. This qualitative research was conducted in partnership with World Vision International and Save the Children.

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Adolescent Girls in Crisis: Voices from the Lake Chad Basin

The crisis affecting the Lake Chad Basin is one of the most severe humanitarian emergencies in the world, having displaced more than 2.2 million people, half of whom are children. This report seeks to highlight both the sites of insecurity for adolescent girls, as well as the ways in which they respond and continue to strive towards building safer communities for themselves and those around them.

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Adolescent Girls in Crisis: Voices from South Sudan

Conflict in South Sudan has displace 4 million people. This report commissioned by Plan International draws on research conducted with girls and members of their families and communities in multiple sites in South Sudan and Uganda. The report seeks to amplify girls’ voices and their perceptions of the crisis and presents their views on how the humanitarian sector might respond.

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