Plan International USA

10/11/2026

Girls are often told they're strong.

But strength shouldn't mean feeling like you have to hold everything together on your own.

Our new nationwide research found that 65% of girls feel required to project unyielding emotional strength.

And 49% feel forced to solve their problems completely alone without asking for help.

This , take a moment to hear from girls to help create a world where they don't feel they have to carry every burden alone.

Explore our survey findings: https://planusa.org/becauseiamagirl

10/11/2026

This , we're focusing on something all girls deserve, the freedom to use their voice.

And we asked them about it. Our new nationwide survey reveals what matters most to girls today.

82% of girls said being their true self was important, yet...

60% of girls think about how others might judge them before posting online.

Half of the girls said they have refrained from posting their opinion, fearing mean comments.

Hearing what girls have to say helps us work with them to build a world where every girl can learn, lead, decide and thrive.

Explore findings from our national survey: https://planusa.org/becauseiamagirl/research/

10/08/2026

💬 Have we achieved gender equality?
📱 Do young people feel safe online?
🚧 What barriers are still standing in their way?

We asked more than 1,000 young people about the issues shaping their lives, from equality and leadership to online safety and well-being.

Advancing equality starts with understanding the different realities girls and boys experience and addressing the barriers that stand in their way.

Join us this as we release new findings from our national survey and share .

10/06/2026

What can we learn from walking 3.7 miles?

💙 Plan staff got together to Walk the Distance, inspired by the average distance that many girls across the globe walk every day to collect water.

For many girls, this journey is more than a walk. It is a daily ritual that that can put their safety, education and futures at risk.

Thank you to all who laced up their shoes and joined us in solidarity with girls. Together, we can build a world where every girl can learn, lead, decide and thrive.

09/30/2026

Climate shocks are increasingly displacing families across Somalia. And girls are carrying some of the heaviest burdens.

Walking farther for water, facing increased safety risks and having their education interrupted by drought and floods are a few of them.

Aisha and Hibo are among girls who remain determined to keep learning and building a better future.

That's why Plan International, together with local partner READO Somalia, is supporting girls in Baidoa through first response centres that provide safe spaces, psychosocial support and learning opportunities.

Climate change is a girls' rights issue. All girls deserve the support they need to learn, lead, decide and thrive.

09/29/2026

09/21/2026

From refugee to peacebuilder.

After arriving in Ethiopia as a refugee from South Sudan, 19-year-old Nyabhan became an adolescent advisor to Plan International, helping other young people make informed decisions about their lives and futures.

This , we celebrate young peacebuilders like Nyabhan, whose lives have been shaped by conflict, yet who continue to lead with hope to help create a better future for others.

As conflict surges around the world, millions of children continue to live in the shadow of war while holding onto hope for peace.

Read our new blog: https://planusa.org/as-conflict-surges-children-still-hope-for-peace/

09/15/2026

Our Youth Advisory Board is advocating for a future where:

➡️ Menstrual health is equitable for all.
➡️ Young people are protected from digital violence.

They're calling on policymakers to advance legislation that expands access, strengthens protections and centers the needs of young people.

Want to help turn these priorities into action?

✉️ If your organization is interested in endorsing their platform, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message.

09/09/2026

Every child deserves a safe place to learn.

This year's theme for the International Day to Protect Education from Attack recognizes the determination of children and communities who continue learning despite conflict and crisis.

For 14-year-old Monica in South Sudan's Lakes State, school often takes place under a tree because there isn't enough classroom space. Yet Monica continues to show up, determined to learn and pursue her dream of becoming president.

With support from Education Cannot Wait, Plan is building a new school in Monica's village and working to ensure children affected by conflict have access to safe learning environments and emotional support.