In a recent session at the United Nations in New York, the stark challenges confronting young women in impoverished rural communities worldwide were highlighted. This gathering, part of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), featured personal testimonies from girls from Sierra Leone, Malawi, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Cameroon. These young advocates, supported by the international charity Plan and journalist Mariane Pearl, shared their experiences and called for urgent action on issues like early and forced marriage, educational opportunities for girls, and the inclusion of men and boys in gender equality efforts.
During the CSW meeting, a panel titled "Breaking Vows: Ending Early and Forced Marriage" was moderated by Mariane Pearl and included heartfelt stories from girls aged 15 to 18. These young representatives did not just share their hardships but also their aspirations for a future where they have control over their personal decisions, including marriage and education.
The girls focused on several critical areas:
Launched on October 11, 2012, Plan's "Because I am a Girl" campaign aims to catalyze change for half a billion girls worldwide over three years. This initiative seeks to address the inequalities that hold girls back, advocating for their rights and equal opportunities.
Despite the powerful testimonies and the clear need for focused policies, the session ended on a note of disappointment. The CSW failed to adopt the agreed conclusions, a setback that UN-Women's head lamented while urging nations to continue striving towards empowering rural women.
According to UNICEF, approximately 12 million girls are married before they reach 18 each year, a statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing early and forced marriage globally. Education for girls also remains a critical issue, with UNESCO reporting that over 130 million girls worldwide are out of school.
Plan International offers opportunities to support these initiatives through child sponsorship programs, which aim to improve the lives and futures of girls in rural communities. By sponsoring a child, you can help provide them with access to education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation.
Learn more about child sponsorship with Plan International.
Read more about the global challenges faced by girls on UNICEF’s page.
This session at the UN has put the spotlight on the urgent needs of girls in rural areas, emphasizing that their voices are crucial in the global dialogue on gender equality and empowerment. The continued efforts of organizations like Plan and the support from the global community are vital in making a significant difference in the lives of these young women.
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