The report examines the dangers and opportunities for girls in cities and online

22 September 2010: Plan has launched its annual Because I am a Girl ‘The State of the World’s Girls’ report for 2010, which examines the perils and prospects facing girls in two of the 21st century’s fastest growing areas – cities and the internet.

The report, Digital and Urban Frontiers: Girls in a Changing Landscape, says that many girls who migrate from rural areas will find better education, healthcare and economic opportunities in the cities – while access to information technology can make a huge impact on girls’ lives.

But prejudice and poverty is excluding millions of girls from taking advantage of the possibilities. 

New opportunities

Nigel Chapman, Plan’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “These booming areas present new opportunities for girls and young women.  But both cities and the internet are not always planned with their best interests in mind and are not without risk for young women.

“Without the right measures, urban and virtual spaces are at risk of becoming yet another place from which girls are either excluded or simply scared to enter.”

Threats and dangers

Urban poverty, lack of proper housing and sexual harassment can make many girls feel unsafe. Cyberspace can also be hazardous - a hunting ground for traffickers and bullies.

The report argues that girls need to be able to gain the skills to protect themselves and to recognise the opportunities that await them on the city streets and online.

Sign the petition!

The report coincides with the launch of a new global Because I am a Girl website, which champions Plan’s campaign to fight gender inequality, promote girls’ rights and lift millions of girls out of poverty.

Plan is calling on everyone to sign its petition telling the United Nations to declare 22 September the International Day of the Girl.

Sign the petition, read the report, watch our latest video and get involved via the Because I am a Girl website: plan-international.org/girls