Develop Girls’ Autonomy for a Bright Future

In developing countries, unequal traditional beliefs on gender and customs are forcing girls into child marriage. It was a pleasure for Plan International Hong Kong to receive generous donations from 23 local women elites and other donors to implement the two-year “Girls Ready for Future” project in Vietnam. The project has enhanced girls’ awareness of their rights to protect themselves from child marriage. Meanwhile, our vocational support has equipped girls with the skills and knowledge to follow their dreams. This project has covered 49 schools from five provinces in Vietnam, including Ha Giang, Lai Chau, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Kon Tum, benefiting more than 10,000 children, half of them are girls.

“Menstruation Friendly Movement” Breaks the taboos

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the menstrual problems in Nepal. We launched the “Menstruation Friendly Campaign” to raise local awareness on the issues of “menstrual poverty” and “menstrual stigma”. We are grateful that 18 companies from various industries have joined forces and promised to establish a menstruation-friendly working environment. An online survey was conducted to deepen the public’s understanding of the issues. More than 280 respondents shared their opinions and experiences on menstruation. The funds raised supported our menstrual projects in Nepal, including implementing programmes on dignified menstruation in communities, and schools, providing hygiene kits, as well as building washing stations and sanitary napkin vending machines so that girls could have a carefree period.