Plan International is dismayed and deeply saddened by the deaths of Black Americans in police custody, police brutality and authorities threatening the right to assemble.
Plan International exists to further girls’ rights and sees racial justice as a critical and crucial component of justice for girls. Racial justice and gender justice for girls are inextricably linked and one cannot exist without the other. We cannot achieve equality for girls, without achieving equality for Black girls.
The deaths and nationwide protests in the USA are nothing new. Racial injustice is an issue that has been campaigned on for decades in the USA and beyond, often by young people and specifically young women and girls.
Whether it implies living in fear of police profiling, fearing for their family members’ safety, receiving fewer leadership opportunities or being held back by unjust societies, systemic racism has an enormous impact on girls’ development and everyday lives everywhere.
To do our best work as gender equality campaigners we must consider how multiple experiences affect girls’ and women’s lives. To fight for equality for girls we must ensure equality for all girls.
This is why Black girls and women won’t enjoy equality and justice if the rights of their wider communities are not also defended and ensured. Racial justice for Black and minority communities of the world is one and the same as gender justice for girls.
Plan International unequivocally condemns all racist violence and stands against discrimination against Black communities and racial injustice everywhere.
Now is the time to demand systemic change by supporting those at the forefront of this movement to end violence, oppression, inequity and inequality.
As such, in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, Black girl and women protestors, and allies who are organising and taking action against racial violence and injustice, we have compiled the following list of resources.
Use them to educate yourself on the issues and be an active anti-racist ally.
Please note: Plan International is not responsible for the content of other sites.
How do I talk to my kids about racism?
Amnesty USA - Right to Protest Resources (251 KB) - includes tips on safe protesting and knowing your rights
Amnesty - Staying resilient while trying to change the world (PDF 24.5 MB)