Join us on October 10th in celebration of International Day of the Girl, and help build a future free from child marriage.
Prefer to donate early? Your donation will go towards Plan International programs that keep girls in school, provide safe spaces, and support girls to speak up for themselves.
Photo: Eunice, 18, is passionate about defending the rights of girls. © Plan International
In 2011, Plan International successfully campaigned to the United Nations (UN) to introduce a day of action that acknowledges the unique challenges girls face, promotes girls’ rights and empowerment, and celebrates their enormous potential to catalyse change.
The UN officially declared October 11 International Day of the Girl and Plan International has led activities on this globally recognised day of action ever since.
Now, Day of the Girl is Plan International’s largest annual campaign, and our global community mobilises every year with activations and celebrations taking place across markets and communities.
By 15, she was a mother.
Aysha’s story reflects the harsh reality faced by many girls around the world, where simply being born female can lead to a life defined by early marriage and motherhood.
Aysha’s marriage wasn’t a choice, it was a consequence of poverty. When her father fell ill, her family’s financial struggles deepened, and she was married off to a man seven years her senior in hopes of securing some stability.
But Aysha’s story didn’t end there. Thanks to the Stop the Stigma programme, she gained access to contraceptives and, more importantly, the knowledge and confidence to take control of her own future.
Now, at 18, she is choosing to delay having more children. She dreams of education, independence, and a better life, not just for herself, but for the next generation.
Aysha’s courage and determination shine as a beacon of hope for girls everywhere—girls who deserve the chance to grow, learn, and thrive on their own terms.
Photo: Aysha, 18, with her four-year-old son Sakib. © Plan International
We sat down with Plan International Australia’s Deputy CEO of Impact, Mudasser Siddiqui, to talk about hunger.
Take a listen and discover:
