Nigel Chapman CEO Plan International plan-international.org 978-0-9550479-8-5
Keeping in touch in Bangalore. p h o t o g r a p h : TAR I Q a n d S t a n T h e k a e k a r a
th e State o f th e Wo r ld ’ s G ir l s 2010
Digital and Urban Frontiers: Girls in a Changing Landscape
p h oto g r a p h : S ta n T h e k a e k a r a
Why Girls? Plan, drawing on more than 70 years’ experience of international development in over 60 countries, recognises that discrimination against girls and women is one of the main underlying causes of child poverty. Girls and boys have the same entitlements to human rights, but they face different challenges in accessing them. Girls are more likely to be pulled out of school, have less access to medical care, and are often fed less. They experience more violence and sexual harassment just because they are girls and are expected to work hard on domestic chores which make it more difficult for them to study. This lack of opportunity and care is unfair and unjust. Yet we know that investing in girls and young women has a disproportionately beneficial effect in alleviating poverty for everyone; not only the girls themselves but their families, communities and entire countries. Everyone benefits, including boys and men. That argument chimes with the issues of justice and equality of opportunity, and is another reason why Plan is making its ‘Because I am a Girl’ campaign one of its flagship priorities in the years ahead.
Because I am a Girl
the State of the World’s Girls 2010
Anna K. Tibaijuka Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Because I am a Girl
Cities have the potential to make countries rich, and for many, cities are a symbol of hope for a better life. But in reality, city life can mean exclusion and increased hardship. This is true for the urban poor, particularly girls and young women. The opportunities that present themselves are real, but so are the risks and multiple deprivations associated with the urban divide. Girls with nowhere to live, no family support and no job can end up on the street, in unsafe relationships and unable, through poverty, to take advantage of the education and health facilities that do exist… ‘The State of the World’s Girls 2010’ focuses on the particular arenas of the city and cyberspace, rapidly growing areas where girls will be at risk but where opportunities abound… We must make it our responsibility to ensure that both cities and the internet are safe and girl-friendly.