Day of the Girl 2025
Every year, 12 million girls are forced into marriage before they're ready - that's one girl every three seconds. But with education, support, and opportunity, girls are rising up, speaking out, staying in school, and leading change in their communities.
This International Day of the Girl, Australians once again came together to stand with girls who are building a future free from child marriage.
From heartfelt messages to incredible generosity, our community showed what's possible when we all stand together - true people power in action.
Together, we've taken another step towards a future free from child marriage - and our work to get there continues every day.
What is Day of the Girl?
Plan International doesn't just celebrate Day of the Girl - we are Day of the Girl.
In 2011, Plan International successfully campaigned to the United Nations to create a global day of action recognising the unique challenges girls face, promoting their rights, and celebrating their potential to drive change. The UN officially declared October 11 as International Day of the Girl in 2012, a day born from Plan's advocacy and belief in girls' power to shape their own futures.
So how did we celebrate this year?
On October 10, we held our annual Giving Day!
The day was filled with moments that remind us why we do what we do. Our office was buzzing as donations rolled in and supporters across the country joined us to back girls' rights. Together, you helped raise an incredible $215,000 to help end child marriage and support girls' education and safety.
Because of your support, more girls will have the chance to stay in school, avoid early marriage, and take control of their own futures. From all of us at Plan International Australia: thank you for believing in girls.
This success was made possible thanks to our generous Match Partners: David Collins, Estate of Jean Duncan Foley & Trustees, L’Oreal Paris, Undivided, Community Connect, Patricia Faulkner AO and a special Match Fund donor who wishes to remain anonymous, and our other partners who supported International Day of the Girl.
Ashiya is ready to rise
Across the world, 12 million girls are still married before they're ready. But girls are standing up and changing the story - girls like Ashiya from Nepal.
When Ashiya was 20, she saw many of her friends marry young and leave school behind. Her own family struggled, and marriage seemed like the only solution. Instead, Ashiya chose a different path. Through a youth employment program supported by Plan International, she learned business skills, opened a small grocery shop, and began earning her own income.
Before, we didn't even have enough money to buy salt. Now everything has changed. My shop helps pay for my brothers' school fees, and I can finally take care of my family.”
With the confidence she's gained, Ashiya dreams bigger: "I feel fulfilled by becoming self-reliant and paving a clear path for my future," she says. "But above all, my greatest sense of fulfilment comes from being a source of hope and happiness for my family."
Stories like Ashiya's remind us why we do what we do - because when one girl rises, entire families and communities rise with her.
State of the World's Girls report
We launched our State of the World's Girls research report in early October to mark the start of our International Day of the Girl campaign.
This year’s report, Let me be a child, not a wife, focussed on girls' experience of child marriage: a practice that despite large-scale policy action and legislative reform, remains widespread.
The research is based on in-depth conversations with 251 girls and young women - all of whom are, or had been, married or in a union - across 15 countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nigeria, Niger, and Togo.
This research tells us that, at a time where there is a global pushback against girls' and women's rights, confronting the persistent rights violation that is child marriage is incredibly urgent. The research was reported widely in Australian (and global) media and we encourage you to read the executive summary or full report below.
Our social circle made itself known
Our ambassadors and friends took to social media with posts and stories, celebrating and raising awareness about Day of the Girl and Plan’s work. Check out some below!
Governor-General hosts Plan for Day of the Girl
Earlier this month, we were honoured to be welcomed to Admiralty House by the Governor-General for a special event marking International Day of the Girl and celebrating her new patronage of Plan International Australia.
Long-term Plan supporters, ambassadors, board members, staff and friends of Plan gathered to reflect on the power of girl's voices, and the progress our community continues to make towards equality. The event also marked the official launch of our State of the World’s Girls research report, which highlights the urgent need to end child marriage and ensure every girl has the right to childhood, education and safety.
Former Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, Plan International Youth Activist and human rights advocate, Angelica Ojinaka-Psillakis presented the Governor-General with twelve lilies – each representing one of the twelve million girls who are forced into child marriage every year. The gesture was a powerful reminder of why we continue this work – so that every girl can grow, thrive and choose her own future.
You can keep standing with girls
While our International Day of the Girl celebrations are over, the mission continues - and so can your support.
Help us continue programs that keep girls safe, in school, and in control of their futures with a regular, ongoing gift.
Spread the message by sharing our stories and social posts, helping us reach even more people.
Subscribe to our e-newsletter for updates, stories, and opportunities to get involved.
Together, we can build a world where every girl has the freedom to learn, lead, and decide her own future.
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