Sponsorship highlights
In communities across the world families are experiencing real, life-changing progress. This can be seen in the 120 adjustments that have been made to laws and policies that support girls’ rights, creating more inclusive and safer environments for everyone.
Thanks to our advocacy, 43 commitments from key decision-makers have resulted in increased investments in services that protect children’s rights. These shifts create ripple effects in communities, empowering individuals and families in meaningful ways.
Consider the story of Helene, from Guinea, who obtained her birth certificate through a Plan-supported initiative.
Many children in our community do not have birth certificates. Through this project, our parents were informed about the importance of birth documents.Having an official identity has been transformative for Helene, providing her access to education, healthcare, and a future that was once beyond reach.
In Egypt, 14 year old Salsabil, inspired by the broader changes and knowledge gained through Plan’s gender equality program, is driving social change in her community. Through Plan’s gender equality program, she convinced her family to reject female genital mutilation (FGM):
I told my family about the dangers of FGM, and I prevented the circumcision of all the girls in my family.As our combined efforts continue, children aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving and contributing to communities that are more inclusive and empowered for the future.
Photo: Salsabil is a youth advocate for girls’ rights and health. © Plan International
Transforming tradition: Ruqiya’s stand
Ruqiya’s journey from being a practitioner of female genital mutilation (FGM) to a passionate advocate against it is a powerful testament to change. Growing up in Somalia, Ruqiya followed the path laid out by her mother, performing FGM because it was considered a necessary tradition. However, after attending awareness sessions provided by Plan International, her perspective changed profoundly.
These sessions exposed her to the severe physical and psychological consequences of FGM. With this newfound understanding, Ruqiya chose to abandon the practice and dedicate her life to advocating for girls’ rights. “When I am doing advocacy in my community, I tell other women to leave their daughter’s bodies the way it is and don’t hurt their children,” she shares.
Her commitment extends beyond words; Ruqiya recently intervened to stop an FGM procedure about to be performed on a young girl. Her courage and determination inspired the mother to reject this harmful tradition.
Thanks to supporters like you, stories like Ruqiya’s ripple across communities. Over 433,700 people worldwide have received training in gender equality, empowering more advocates like Ruqiya and creating safer, more equitable futures for girls everywhere.
Photo: Ruqiya, 60, abandoned her work as an FGM cutter. © Plan International
Educating for empowerment
In the rural heartland of Laos, Seng, 45, and Boonsong, 52, are driving change by nurturing a future where education and empowerment take focus. Facing societal norms that prioritize early marriage over education, they decided to break the cycle and focus on unlocking new opportunities for young women in their community.
Through Plan International’s initiatives, they gained valuable insights into the adverse effects of early marriage and the importance of health education. Boonsong reflects, “I learned that children should not marry early because it harms their bodies and their future.” This knowledge motivated them to prioritize education for their children, particularly their daughters.
Their actions and openness to change has resonated throughout their community, empowering girls like Tan, 15, to engage in meaningful conversations about early marriage and gender norms “I have learned to protect myself and understand my body”.
Your support is driving change, helping transform attitudes and opening doors for young women to pursue their dreams.
Photo: Boonsong, 52, and Seng, 45, take part in a training session. © Plan International
Real men, real change
In a small community in Ghana’s Upper West Region, a transformative shift is underway. The Real Fathers’ Club, supported by Plan International, is challenging traditional gender roles and fostering a culture of equality and shared responsibility. Through the club, they get together to chat about masculinity, what it means to be a good dad, and how to shake up old gender roles in their homes.
Michael, 41, a teacher, farmer, and father of six daughters, personifies the transformation happening in his community.
Real change starts with us. When we share the work at home, everyone benefits.Fathers are now sharing household tasks, supporting their wives, and encouraging their daughters to pursue their dreams. Agbeko, a member of the club and father of six, emphasizes the importance of honest communication with his children.
“I always encourage my daughters to share their aspirations with me. If they want to work hard, I’ll support them, unlike my father, who didn’t support me.”
One of the most profound impacts has been the eradication of FGM in the community. As Michael states firmly, “FGM should stop. It damages girls and has harmful effects that shouldn’t be continued.”
Through Plan International’s efforts, the Real Fathers’ Club is rewriting traditional narratives, paving the way for harmonious households and empowering girls to thrive in a more equitable society.
Photo: Men attend the Real Fathers’ Club. © Plan International
Emergency response
Your generosity has allowed us to mobilise an urgent response to humanitarian crises around the globe, including:
South Sudan
In Sudan, ongoing conflict has triggered the world’s worst humanitarian crises in recent history. Over 11 million people have been displaced and 638,000 are on the brink of famine. Violence and instability have caused severe food shortages, putting families in dire need.
With your support, Plan International has been pivotal in delivering lifelines to over 150,000 displaced individuals. Our response includes distributing essential food parcels and hygiene kits, as well as providing cash transfers to families.
This support enables them to purchase necessities, stabilize their lives, and plan for the future.
By ensuring access to clean water and nutrition, we are combating malnutrition and restoring health to children and families who have suffered greatly.
Photo: Suzan, 24, carries her start-up kit. © Plan International
Gaza
In Gaza, families face overwhelming difficulties and sadly the situation remains dire, with humanitarian needs at an all-time high. But, thanks to generous donors like you, there is hope. Plan International has delivered over 2,500 food parcels and hygiene kits to those who need them most.
Having such caring and kind supporters who are there to support children facing such dire hardships is something we are eternally grateful for. As is proven time and time again when children face conflict and crisis, its generous people like yourself who continue to allow us to focus on delivering essential emergency resources such as shelter, access to medical support, safe spaces and education – resources that help children find some sense of normality and begin to heal.
Your compassion makes our vital work possible, providing children with essential resources and opportunities. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and commitment to protecting families and ensuring children are not forgotten in times of crisis.
Photo: A street in ruins. © Fatima Hassouna
Together, we are making a difference
