Washington, DC — Plan International USA (Plan) teams up with Elyse Fox, Deja Foxx, Sara Mora, Nadya Okamoto and Alok Vaid-Menon to celebrate gender equality through Plan’s Vote for the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of all Time) campaign. The bracket-style competition asks young people to highlight female, femme or nonbinary changemakers who are working to advance the gender equality movement across four categories: visibility and representation, health for all, equal opportunity and gender-based violence.
“As a menstrual equity activist I’m really proud and excited to be partnering with Plan on their gender equality G.O.A.T campaign,” said Nadya Okamoto, founder of the non-profit PERIOD. “I first joined their Youth Advisory Board a few years ago after learning about their work helping girls achieve their full potential around the globe. I’m looking forward to supporting Plan’s work and highlighting incredible gender equality activists around the globe.”
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.
“We expect women and femmes to be self-sacrificial and devote their lives to the greater good without acknowledgment or affirmation,” said Alok Vaid-Menon, a gender non-conforming writer and performance artist. “This campaign is about challenging that and publicly supporting the people who are so often forgotten.”
"We need folks with diverse perspectives and experiences leading the gender equality movement,” added Deja Foxx, founder @genzgirlgang & @elriorhap. “I'm particularly excited to highlight and celebrate those who are far too often overlooked.”
In addition to celebrating activists and changemakers, votes will have a tangible impact on the lives of young people and their families around the world. 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.
"Changing the world is absolutely possible,” said Sara Mora, a national immigrant rights activist. “My strongest reason for joining initiatives like “Vote for the G.O.A.T!” is being part of legacy-building and leadership for all changemakers to come. When people come together, great change can happen."
Nominations will close on March 29 and voting will begin April 6. Visit www.planvote4goat.com for more information, to nominate and to vote.
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 needs of their 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.
