Gender-Based Violence
Women’s and girls’ rights: what have we accomplished and what’s at stake now?
Desiree Buitenbos | Aug 19, 2020Data shows we're making progress when it comes to advancing women's and girls' rights. Globally, fewer girls are getting married and more are in school. Read more »
Gender-based violence: the silent and lethal ‘shadow pandemic’
Desiree Buitenbos | Jul 22, 2020A silent and lethal ‘shadow pandemic’ is unfolding across the globe as cases of gender-based violence are increasing due to COVID-19. Read more »
More countries are banning FGM but millions are still at risk
Desiree Buitenbos | Jul 2, 2020FGM is a violation of the human rights of girls. Find out why there has been a global trend to ban the practice and why millions of girls are still at risk. Read more »
Forced to undergo FGM at 12 then told to get married: Isha’s story
Desiree BuitenbosIsha* was 12 when she was forced to undergo FGM. Soon after, her family expected her to get married but she refused. This is Isha's story in her own words. Read more »
Surviving Sexual Slavery: Esther’s Story
Kavita DograSexual slavery disproportionately impacts the lives of women and girls around the world. This is the story of a survivor who's rebuilding her life one day at a time. Read more »
The dark side of tourism: how underage girls are sexually exploited in the Dominican Republic
Desiree Buitenbos1 in 4 sex workers in the Dominican Republic is under the age of 18. Meet one survivor who was exploited by tourists and see how she turned her life around. Read more »
30 Years Later: “We’re not much further ahead,” says Canadian Youth
Canadian youth reflects on what's changed 30 years after the Montral Massacre and how we can eliminate gender-based violence on campuses across the nation. Read more »
3 boys championing gender equality and girls’ rights!
Meet 3 boys taking action to speak out against negative gender stereotypes and norms, and promoting equal rights in their communities around the world. Read more »
A group of teenage girls are helping end FGM in Ethiopia
Kavita DograGlobally, more than 200 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation. Meet a group of girls, fighting to end this practice in Ethiopia. Read more »
5 common myths about FGM
Desiree BuitenbosThere are many misconceptions about the harmful – and at times fatal – practice of FGM. Here are 5 of the most common FGM myths debunked. Read more »
The inspiring young men working to end sexual harassment in Uganda
Desiree Buitenbos80% of girls don't feel safe in Kampala. See how Plan International is working with men and boys to make the city safer and help end sexual harassment. Read more »
Ending FGM: Why these 3 traditional cutters are putting down their knives
Desiree Buitenbos97% of girls in Guinea have undergone Female Genital Mutilation. See how we're working alongside girls, communities and traditional cutters to help change this. Read more »