Because I am a Girl

Sexual exploitation and violence is a big problem in Colombia. Rooted in gender inequality, it spans the tourism industry and gang activity, and quietly plagues countless households.

For years the stigma and fear surrounding this issue has dictated that girls and women silently suffer at its hands – that is, until you stepped in to break down barriers and stop the abuse. 

To date, your generous support’s reached over 39,000 girls in the country, creating safer communities and helping protect every girl’s right to protect herself from all forms of violence. 

Here’s how you’ve encouraged girls to tap into their strength, speak up and say “NO MORE.”

Rallying for rights: 4,000+ people took to the streets, pounding pavement, sign-in-hand, with messages like “I am the wall” and “Priceless is what’s valuable,” to combat sexual trafficking.

AWARENESS

10,000+ community members united to learn how to prevent sexual violence, while campaigns, including the “Neither Bought nor Sold” campaign, reached 75,000+ people. 

“Now I clearly understand what advocacy means,” says one motivated female participant. 

3,000+ girls better understand their right to safety, freedom of expression and equality. 

“Now I know I can achieve my dreams, that girls are not weak and that nobody should hurt me,” shares one young girl. 

“We realized that stereotypes that girls are obedient or delicate violates our right to express our opinions and participate in decisions affecting us,” shared two female participants.

25,000+ adolescents can now access sexual and reproductive health services. 

“I like the friendly services because they treat us well and teach us things about how to take care of ourselves,” explains one young woman who can now secure the resources she needs. 

2,000+ caregivers and civil servants trained to prevent, detect and report sexual abuse.

“We have a responsibility,” says a project-trained journalist. “These facts can no longer be ignored.”

INTERVENTION

450+ youth survivors of sexual exploitation were referred to receive help, with a 40% increase in exploitation cases being officially reported to government institutions. 

“It’s so important these situations are now seen and understood as not right,” explains an information session leader. “There are many cases of sexual abuse and exploitation we’ve detected because, after the talks, people approached us.”

REHABILITATION

700+ youth received psychosocial support from a qualified mental health team. 

“I liked talking to the psychologist because I was able to tell her all I went through, the tough situations I had to face and how frustrated I was. She helped me feel better and to know that I can be happy,” confides a girl receiving care from a local health facility. 

500+ internally displaced girls re-enrolled in the education system.

“I’m very proud to be a part of this,” shares one adolescent girl.

600+ young women had entrepreneurial initiatives kick-started with financial support. 

“I feel I have more freedom. I decide what to do with my money and am no longer dependent on my husband,” says one beneficiary. “We women have been changing. Now we go to work and make our decisions,” adds another.

PREVENTION

40+ schools implemented gender-based violence related action plans, while 4,000+ boys and girls participated in peace and empowerment fairs. 

“As a result, girls and women are now more respected in our school and cases of bullying have reduced,” says one student who’s seen, and is contributing to, a safer learning environment. 

“We use acting to demand our rights and demonstrate that we, women, are also leaders for the good of all the community,” says the leader of a newly-formed drama club. 

You’re empowering a new promising generation, including this group of participants!

4,300+ youth received civil registration and identification cards. 

“In the past, you had to say 'I am the wife of Mr. X', meaning he owned you,” shares one woman eager to assert her individual rights. “But now men acknowledge the role of women in society.”

SOLIDARITY

Because of you, boys and men – who play a key role in the fight for equal rights – took part in workshops to take on sexism. 

Now they’re standing up to societal pressures by rejecting stereotypes that limit the girls and women in their lives, along with their own potential. 

“Although we’re different, we have the same rights and no difference justifies violence,” says one teen boy redefining rigid gender roles. “As men we have a great capacity to love and respect.”

A SHIFT

Though countries away, thoughtful Canadians like you chose not to turn away from a troubling problem. Instead, you opted to tackle it by continuing your commitment to girls everywhere through Because I am a Girl. 

This generous choice has created major change for thousands of girls in need. 

It’s reinforced their support systems, and opened up options for more promising paths. It’s shifted mindsets, moving thousands more individuals to act for what’s right, each and every day. And it’s transforming girls’ prospects and outlooks, as well as how they view themselves.

“Now I acknowledge having power inside me,” shares a young woman you helped uplift. “I think more about equality now and feel the need to work hard so other girls can find their own empowerment.”

A heartfelt THANK YOU – from all the girls, families and communities forever changed by you.

“All this was possible thanks to sponsors,” shares a grateful young participant. “It’s a very good project and makes me think I can strengthen myself as a person, thus help others in my community; it is one more step forward.”

Links:

• http://plancanada.ca/becauseiamagirlproject/colombia-acts-to-end-exploitation-and-abuse

“I wanted to show that girls can lead too,” shares Bridgette, a go-getting girl recently elected as School President. 

Fourteen-year-old Bridgette lives in Kenya, a country where 40% of the population is under the age of 14 – making room for a whole lot of growth opportunities.

And you’re helping girls grasp them.In the past, leadership at Bridgette’s school had been male-dominated, and girls didn’t feel comfortable contributing their thoughts and voices.

But now, thanks to your support of Because I am a Girl, girls are tapping into their own talent, and taking charge. 

You’re helping to create new school programs, like student governments, that enable youth to take active roles in their education, and feel safe and confident in doing so. Elected officials help bring students’ needs to the attention of administration. Beyond school walls, they’ll even represent their student body at formal community and government meetings – giving them a real chance to make change happen. 

And Bridgette set her sights on the highest seat. 

“I was inspired to vie for the position of president,” she shares, having enlisted the help of friends to campaign.

Bridgette

Bridgette conducts a session with her peers.

It was a tough race, and as one of the first girls to compete for the role, she worried she might miss out, simply because she is a girl. But gender inclusive trainings, her skills and the strength of her leadership, made it easy for peers to recognize her valuable ideas and abilities.

“Creating awareness on children’s right to school can improve lives,” she says, sharing one of her main platform beliefs.

THE BIG DAY

When election day came, students took the process very seriously. 

Crowds lined the school blocks for a chance to make their votes count, inking their fingertips to log their participation. Candidate-appointed delegates accompanied voting stations, supervising proceedings and ensuring all was fair as possible.

“I was elated to be elected,” Bridgette says with excitement. “It was an achievement for all girls, not just myself.”

Leaders like Bridgette are setting a positive example for their peers and paving the way for future generations, showing them anything’s possible. 

“Governments should involve girls in leadership,” expresses Bridgette. “I am inspired by prominent local female politicians.”

ALREADY SHE’S GETTING THINGS DONE!

After taking initiative to lead a meeting on the importance of safety, Bridgette motivated parents to put a fence up around the school, protecting children from surrounding wildlife and dangers. She’s also encouraged fellow students to help create a better environment.

“I am happy there are now duty rosters in place for pupils and our compound is clean,” she shares.

Bridgette’s parents are very impressed with and proud of their daughter’s accomplishment. Her father advised her to keep up the hard work, while her mother encouraged her to work even harder.

Bridgette dreams of becoming a lawyer because she’s driven to fight for people’s rights – “especially women and girls,” she says with determination.

With big goals ahead, hard work is something she’ll have to keep up, but with your support and her dedication, Bridgette’s future is looking bright.

ELECTING A NEW CHAPTER OF EQUALITY

“It’s important for girls to get involved because they have a right to and are capable of becoming leaders,” says the new School President.

She’s passionate about girls “advocating for government to make changes that empower them,” because she knows, when given the chance, “girls can change the world.”

They want to thank YOU for joining the movement for global gender equality because…

when you rally behind a girl, everyone wins!

Links:

• http://plancanada.ca/bridgette-becomes-president