Plan International Ireland

Today is the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. Across borders, young people are leading the fight to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). In Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, a new Cross-Border Monitoring Committee is helping to raise awareness, enforce laws, and protect girls from this harmful practice. In today’s video, a young advocate shares her experience attending a meeting where she and her peers learned about FGM laws and their rights. Knowledge is power—and with it, young people are standing up, speaking out, and demanding change. This initiative is already making an impact by: ✅ Strengthening legal protections ✅ Supporting survivors ✅ Preventing cross-border child trafficking for FGM 🚨 Every girl deserves to grow up safe, healthy, and free from harm. Join us in saying NO to FGM—today and every day. 📢 Watch, share, and raise your voice. Together, we can end FGM for good. Plan International Guiné Bissau Plan International Guinée #ZeroToleranceForFGM #EndFGM #GirlsRights

FGM is an intolerable violation of human rights and a harmful practice that affects millions of girls worldwide. Every girl has the right to control her own body and live free from violence and harm. In Guinea-Bissau, where Plan International Ireland is active, 52% of girls aged 15-49 have undergone FGM. This must end. It’s time we all stand up and fight for the rights and safety of every girl. Together, we can ensure a future where FGM is no longer a reality. #EndFGM #GirlsRights #PlanInternational #StopFGM

Young Girls in Eastern & Southern Africa Are Speaking Out Against Child Marriage & Violence ✊🎨 Across Eastern and Southern Africa, young girls are using the power of art to take a stand against child marriage and sexual violence. Through our Champions of Change programme in Inhambane, Mozambique, over 160 young advocates are learning about gender equality, leadership, and their rights. By designing powerful posters, attending discussions, and engaging their communities, these young changemakers are raising awareness about teen pregnancy, child marriage, and gender-based violence—and they’re inspiring real change. The programme also supports parents, providing training on gender rights and access to savings groups. As a result, many young people now feel empowered to speak out against human rights abuses and fight for a future where all girls can live free from violence. 🚀 Change starts with education. Change starts with young people.

Following the Iraqi Parliament’s recent decision to amend a law that could allow children as young as nine to marry, our Head of Programmes, Juliane Schmucker, joined Pat Kenny on Newstalk this morning to discuss the complexities of early and forced child marriage. Juliane highlighted how Plan International is working globally—and locally with girls, families, and community leaders—to end this harmful practice and protect children’s rights. If we continue at the current pace, it could take another 300 years to eliminate child marriage completely. We must take action.

Children Are Never Responsible, Yet Always the First Victims In every conflict, children suffer the most. They do not start wars, yet they endure the worst consequences—violence, displacement, loss of education, and family. As Ukraine enters the fourth year of a devastating war that began on 24 February 2022, the country is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The conflict has forcibly displaced millions of people, destroyed infrastructure and created severe challenges to access essential services. We call for international humanitarian law to be upheld and all attacks on children, civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop.. Efforts to prevent and end the six grave violations against children in conflict must be intensified by all.

🌼 Beannachtaí Féile Imbolc! 🌼 Today, we celebrate Imbolc, the ancient Gaelic festival honouring the return of light, the promise of spring, and the spirit of renewal. It’s also a day to reflect on St. Brigid, a symbol of hope, resilience, and transformation—values we hold close as we work towards brighter futures for girls worldwide. At Plan International Ireland, we’re committed to empowering every girl to thrive, learn, and lead. Let’s harness the spirit of Brigid, a symbol of strength and transformation, to build a world where girls are unstoppable. #Imbolc #StBrigid #GirlsRights #SpringRenewal

🌍 In a time of unprecedented humanitarian need, we stand firm. Across the world, conflicts, disasters, and crises are disrupting childhoods—but we refuse to let children be forgotten. Every child deserves safety, education, and the chance to build a better future. We are committed to ensuring children in crises receive the support they need—because hope and opportunity should never be out of reach. #ChildrenInCrisis #EducationForAll #HumanitarianAction #ActForChildren

📢 Starting in 30 Minutes! Join Irish Network for Education Worldwide (INEW) for an insightful online seminar: 🎓 Tools to Negotiate Education Financing in 2025 🗓️ 30th January | 12:30 – 14:00 (Irish Time) 🔗 Register and listen here: https://lnkd.in/eke2uyyy 2025 is a critical year for securing funding to deliver quality education for all—with major global negotiations on financing for development, tax justice, and education investment on the horizon. 📌 Key speakers & topics: ✅ Karen Schroh (GPE) – The Global Partnership for Education Replenishment ✅ Massah Esther Nyally Bockarie – Youth voices & action for education ✅ Carolina Finette (Tax Justice Network) – The UN Tax Convention & education financing ✅ Macarena Romero (Global Campaign for Education Spain) – The 2025 UN Financing for Development Conference 📢 Join us now to explore how we can drive sustainable education financing and create lasting impact. Let’s ensure education remains a top global priority! #EducationFinancing

Let’s fight gender stereotypes! 💪 Girls are capable of anything, no matter what society says. It’s time to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for all.

In Mozambique, as in many parts of the world, it’s that special time of day when parents come to pick up their children from school! Providing the children of Inhambane with access to quality early childhood education is one of Plan International's key objectives. Over 1,800 children are enrolled in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, which are equipped with rehabilitated water tanks, solar panels, and renovated classrooms. Join us in empowering the next generation—because every child deserves the best start in life. 💛 #EducationForAll #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment