Real Choices, Real Lives

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Plan International, UK, organized an insightful panel discussion on the rights and roles of girls in the world. Health, education, and domestic relationships were some of the issues that were looked at. It was discovered that social norms were like informal rules that govern their lives making it difficult for girls to free themselves and go for higher education, rather than get married at a young age, for example.

There were many cases where parents have high aims for their daughters but face grave financial difficulties, making it impossible to for them to follow their vision.

It was noted that girls need to feel safe to reject roles and stereotypes that are imposed on them and be courageous to reach for their dreams!

“I can be what I want to be” is the voice to be heard. Not, “there’s no opportunity for us. There’s no hope.”

The audience was reminded that we, as adults, have to create opportunities to make it different for our girls. We need to address and challenge the difficulties faced by women and girls. Every girl has the right to play and to be educated.

I felt proud to see two young girls helping to facilitate the panel: Mervis and Eneless, Girl Advocate from Malawi.

Mervis, Girl Advocate from Malawi

The panelists were: Tanya Barron, CEO,Plan International UK; Rebecca Marmot, Unilever, Global Vice President Partnerships & Advocacy; Lili Harris, Real Choices Manager; Anette Trompeter, Country Director, Plan International Brazil; Nora Fyles, UNGirls Education Intiative Secretariat; and Takyiwa Danso, UK Youth Delegate.

You can learn more about Plan International by visiting their website: www.plan-uk.org

Our girls are our future. Let us give them the best we have – empowerment, self-esteem, respect, and love!