BURBANK, Calif. – March 27, 2019—Plan International USA (Plan) recently convened California youth ages 14-19, for its second Plan4Girls Gathering, a wide-ranging interactive event focused on gender equality. The gathering took place at the Nickelodeon Animation Studio, where boys and girls engaged in meaningful conversations concerning societal expectations and suggested concrete actions that will aid in achieving a more gender-equitable world.
“Young people should have some agency over tackling issues that affect their lives now and into the future,” said Shanna Marzilli, Chief Marketing Officer of Plan International USA. “This event provided youth the opportunity and a platform to voice ideas that will bring about lasting change to important issues that impact girls and boys everywhere.”
This event is the second in a series of gatherings that follow Plan’s survey of 1,000 boys and girls, ages 10-19, who shared their thoughts and experiences on gender equality and sexism, in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Plan conducted the survey in partnership with the non-partisan public opinion research firm, PerryUndem.
During the Gathering, young girls and boys shared creative ideas on ways they can lead the charge in furthering gender equality. Participants helped create an action plan indicating how all members of society, including politicians, teachers, parents, and the media, can work toward a more gender-equal world.
“We were thrilled to host Plan International USA and support this very important conversation around gender equality,” said Mark Levine, EVP International Marketing, Nickelodeon. “The animation industry is evolving into a vibrant and diverse field with more girls and women telling their stories through this medium. I’m excited for a future where both boys and girls have equal opportunities to showcase their voice. Kuddos to Plan for giving them a platform to lead this discussion.”
Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
Plan held its first Gathering in New York City in October 2018. The Gatherings are part of the organization’s continued commitment to promoting greater equality for girls globally.
“Plan’s goal in the next five years is to positively impact the lives of 100 million girls around the world,” said Tessie San Martin, President and CEO of Plan International USA. “Our efforts start with the voice of girls and young people in general. We need to know what their fears, concerns, and hopes are. This is what these Gatherings are about. I’m excited to work to incorporate the youth’s feedback in our organization’s broader strategy.”
About Plan International USA
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan believes in the power and potential of young people. Working together with children, young people, supporters, and partners, Plan strives for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.
For more information, please visit PlanUSA.org.
