6 great moments for girls in 2024
2024 was a difficult year with new and ongoing conflicts and crises affecting children, young people and their communities worldwide.
What keeps us inspired at Plan International is seeing young people continue to strive for the better world they know is possible.
From community projects to the United Nations, this year girls have used their energy, passion and determination to effect change, however and wherever they could.
They have spoken out on the issues affecting them and taken their demands to governments on issues from conflict to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Here is just a selection of great moments for girls in 2024:
1. Demanding safer education
On International Women’s Day, girls across the globe demanded a better, more just future with gender equality at its heart with the launch of the #FutureGirlsWant campaign.
Aseel, 22, from Jordan demanded a world with better, safer education.
“I imagine a future where school is safe, and the right to education is sacred.”
2. Speaking out about mental health in conflict
Despite living through devastating conflict, girls from Ukraine spoke out about the realities of war and how it affects their mental health, in a display of impressive resilience.
“I refuse to let the war define me. I’m more than just a statistic in this conflict,” said 16-year-old Oleysa*.
3. Sharing actions for a more equal world
In May, young activists produced the Girls’ Pact for the Future with clear and actionable recommendations for policymakers to achieve gender equality, on issues from violence and discrimination to leadership opportunities.
“We want our voices to be heard, and we want to engage with you in building a gender equal future that fulfils girls’ rights.
From the Girls’ Pact
We refuse to settle for anything less than full equality and justice for girls everywhere.”
4. Smashing period stigma
For Menstrual Health Day, girls got together with family members to discuss all things relating to periods and help smash the stigma and prejudices that still surround menstruation to this day.
“In our time, a girl on her period could not be allowed to be seen by, or interact with men, with the exception of her husband. The girl on her period was not allowed to go to groups as she pleased,” said Gnoussiado, 60, from Togo.
Granddaughter Assana, 24, gives some hope:
“Nowadays, things have changed… Even during our periods, we’re able to do any kind of activities without worrying too much.”
5. Raising their voices at the UN
In September, a group of youth delegates went to the Summit of the Future at the United Nations in New York to demand progress on the issues that affect young people most around the world – from leadership opportunities to climate change.
Samikshya, 19, from Nepal summarised their demands in this blog:
“Girls know their own situations best and have lived experiences to share – our voices must be part of the conversation in decision-making spaces where our futures are being determined.”
6. Uniting for peace and an end to conflict
On International Day of the Girl girls and their supporters shared heart selfies on social media as a global show of solidarity for young people across the world affected by conflict and demand governments take immediate action to protect them.
Yadis, 23, from Colombia shared what peace means to her:
“Peace would bring harmony, tranquillity, security, and the assurance that all our rights are guaranteed and protected from violence.
“Despite the hardships we face, we continue to move forward with joy.”
Our message to girls and young campaigners
We end 2024 with a message of solidarity to the girls around the world who will continue to speak out and demand change over the next year.
We will continue to amplify your voices and join you in the fight for equality and a better world over the next 12 months and for generations to come.
* Name changed to protect identity.
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