Washington, DC — Today, Plan International USA (Plan) launches its latest campaign, Vote for the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of all Time) for gender equality. This bracket-style competition engages young people, ages 13-22, to highlight female, femme or nonbinary leaders who are working to advance the gender equality movement across four categories: visibility and representation, women’s health, equal opportunity and gender-based violence.
Young people will nominate G.O.A.T.s they admire, female or gender-nonconforming individuals who advocate for causes that aim to improve the lives of girls and women. They will upvote those whose work is most inspiring or relevant to their lives, and the top eight G.O.A.T.s per category will move into a bracket. For every 500-1,000 votes an individual G.O.A.T. receives, an actual goat will be donated on their behalf through Plan’s Gifts of Hope to a community in Indonesia.
“Countless girls, women and nonbinary influencers are changing and impacting our lives, culture and politics in amazing ways,” said Malika, Plan International USA’s Youth Advisor. “But despite such incredible accomplishments, many don’t receive the recognition they deserve. It’s high time we shine a light on them and the tremendous work they’re undertaking.”
“There’s room for improvement as a society when it comes to evening the playing field for girls,” said Dr. Tessie San Martin, President and CEO of Plan International USA. “From government representation, to the portrayal of girls and women in media, to women holding influential seats in the private sector, more can and should be done. Young people have proven they can lead that movement, so we’re giving them the platform to do so.”
Only 23% of the seats in the U.S. House of Representative are held by women, and only 25% in the Senate. Of the 100 top-grossing films in the U.S. in 2019, only 10% were directed by women. Of the Fortune 500 companies, there are more chief executives named “James” than there are women in the same position of power. Plan is holding this competition to encourage young people across the nation to make their voices heard through their votes.
For more information, to nominate and vote, please visit www.planvote4goat.com.
About Plan International USA
Powered by supporters, Plan International USA partners with adolescent girls, young women and children around the world to overcome oppression and gender inequality, providing the support and resources that are unique to their needs and the need of the communities, ensuring they achieve their full potential with dignity, opportunity and safety. Founded in 1937, Plan is an independent development and humanitarian organization that is active in more than 80 countries.
