Last year on International Day of the Girl (Oct. 11), Plan International announced a new partnership with Paramount to launch a new global campaign to champion girls’ education.
This year, Plan International and Paramount, in partnership with Nickelodeon, launched the next chapter of that campaign with beloved explorer Dora. As classrooms fill for a new school year, purple backpacks filled with essential school supplies are being distributed in Mexico, Indonesia, Lebanon, Uganda and Peru.
For some girls, back to school means fresh supplies, a safe classroom and time to focus on their studies. For others, like 14-year-old Muta in Cambodia, getting an education takes determination that begins long before the school bell rings.
Muta’s day starts at 4 a.m., when she washes dishes, fetches water and prepares breakfast before walking nearly five miles to class. After school, she cares for her baby brother, helps with the family’s cashew and cassava harvest and cooks dinner. There’s little time left for homework — but she’s determined to keep learning.
For many girls like Muta, the barriers to education are steep: household chores, long distances to school, family finances and cultural beliefs about the value of educating girls. Globally, 129 million girls are out of school.
Plan is working with local partners in Cambodia to help girls stay in school by providing bicycles to make the journey easier, scholarships to cover costs and catch-up classes to help them keep pace. Thanks to her bike and catch-up classes, Muta’s reading, writing and math skills have improved.
“My teacher is very nice,” Muta says. “She spends a lot of her time teaching me. My results are getting better, and I am now 13 among 20 children in my class.”
Muta’s story is just one example of how access to school can change the trajectory of a girl’s life. When girls have the tools and opportunities to learn, lead, decide and thrive, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom — strengthening entire communities.
From the first day of school to graduation, here are five ways education transforms girls’ futures — and strengthens entire communities:
1. Girls break the cycle
Education gives girls the knowledge and confidence to recognize their rights and make informed choices, reducing the likelihood of child marriage or trafficking. Educated girls often become role models and leaders in their communities.
2. Girls build financial security
Completing high school boosts women’s earning power by nearly 50%. When women earn more, they reinvest in their families’ health, education and wellbeing.
3. Girls grow the global economy
If every girl received 12 years of quality education, women’s lifetime earnings could increase by as much as $15 trillion globally — driving prosperity for everyone.
4. Girls unlock their potential
School builds critical thinking, confidence and leadership skills. Educated girls grow into women who challenge harmful practices, advocate for equality and inspire the next generation.
5. Girls create a world where we are all equal
When girls learn, they open doors for everyone. Educated women work to make their communities better for all by championing access to resources, opportunities and decision-making power.
