- Globally, 130 million girls are not in school.
- About 12 million girls get married under the age of 18 every year – means every 3 seconds 1 girl gets married.
- 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence.
- At least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and 44 million of them are below 14 years old.
In addition to poverty, girls in the developing world face unique barriers that keep them from achieving their full potential. Learn more about these barriers and about what Plan International is dong to create a brighter future for girls.
Child Marriage
About 12 million girls get married under the age of 18 every year – means every 3 seconds 1 girl gets married. They are being robbed of their childhood and future and their lives are miserable…
Gender Based Violence
Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence. Violence against women and girls is still widespread and is an issue that must be addressed…
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
According to the statistics from WHO, over three million girls are at risk of FGM every year. Over 200 million girls in 30 countries located in Africa, Middle-east and Asia have undergone the procedure already and it is estimated that over 68 million girls at the age of 15 to 19 will receive FGM in 2015 to 2030.
Period Poverty and Shaming
More than 500 million people in the world have no access to menstrual facilities during their periods. Menstruation is still considered ‘unclean’ and a bad omen in many developing countries. The stigma around menstruation has a detrimental impact on girls’ health and wellbeing.
What You Can Do
Girls can change the world, but they can’t do it without your help!
If you care about girls’ rights, please support our Because I am a Girl movement by sponsoring a girl or donating to Girls Fund to make a real difference in the lives of girls around the world!