Urmila, 22
in partnership with Youth United for Global Action and Awareness
Because I am a Girl Youth Campaign Update All across the country, people like you are taking action with the Because I am a Girl campaign. Together, we are raising awareness about gender equality, girls’ rights, and education for all—and we are making a difference. This year, we are focused on the issue of child trafficking. We are learning about the system of slavery in Nepal called kamalari, and how it exploits girls. Because our campaign is about changing communities here in the United States and in the developing countries where Plan works, our campaign has three steps:
1
Start the Conversation. Use the all-new activities in this toolkit to engage others in thinking about gender in daily life—and how we can work together for justice and equality.
2
Show and Tell. Request a copy of the DVD “Suma’s Story,” a chapter of the powerful new movie Girl Rising (see page 6 for details). Host a screening in your school or community center.
3
Take Action. Make this toolkit a springboard for your activism. Advocate for gender equality policies in your school or community; fundraise to help kamalari girls in Plan’s programs; or raise awareness about the importance of girls’ education through art and music. Don’t forget: a portion of all the proceeds raised from Girl Rising go to Because I am a Girl projects!
Youth Spotlight! Urmila (above) was sold as a kamalari (a child servant) when she was six years old. She was trapped for years, working without pay and unable to attend school. Urmila escaped when she was 17, after learning the kamalari system was illegal in Nepal. Since then, Urmila has been fighting for the girls still suffering in this practice. Urmila is a key part of Plan’s Kamalari Abolition Project. Launched in 2005, the project has freed hundreds of girls and helped them to return home. It has also enabled their parents earn a livelihood, so they aren’t forced to sell their daughters or send them to work. The project provides rescued girls with education and job skills training. Learn more about Urmila at www.planusa.org/urmila.
Youth Engagement & Action Team at Plan International USA • planusa.org/youth Because I am a Girl at Plan International USA • becauseiamagirl.us