Empowering Girls and Shaping the Future: A Global Call to Action for Equality

Celebrating Empowerment on International Women's Day

On March 6, 2025, Plan International unveiled a significant campaign titled "Empower Girls. Change the Future" aimed at promoting education, leadership, and equality for girls around the world. In collaboration with renowned partners such as Paramount and KFC, this global initiative strives to dismantle barriers, ensuring that girls not only dream but also have the necessary tools to realize their ambitions.

The Urgent Need for Action

The landscape of gender equality is shifting, and sadly not for the better; recent projections suggest that the global gender gap will require a staggering 137 years to close—a full three years longer than before. As alarming as it sounds, this timeline reflects a regression in progress that disproportionately impacts young girls. The statistics are a call to action that Plan International takes seriously. By actively working with girls to eliminate obstacles, this campaign aims to create pathways toward leadership positions and future success.

"Girls need our support now more than ever. When we invest in their education and leadership, we're not merely changing their futures, we are altering the course of the world," stated Shanna Marzilli, the president and CEO of Plan International USA. Emphasizing the necessity for resources and confidence-building, the campaign recognizes that empowering girls also involves addressing structural issues that limit their growth.

Partnerships Making a Difference

The collaboration with Paramount is not new; it has been ongoing since 2015, focusing on raising awareness around girls' education. This year, in honor of International Women’s Day, they have ventured further. Paramount’s beloved bilingual character, Dora, appears in exclusive content directed at adults, outlining the crucial importance of girls' rights to education and equal opportunities. Building on last year’s efforts, they distributed backpacks featuring essential school supplies in various countries including Cambodia, Mexico, Nepal, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe, thus equipping girls worldwide for their educational journeys.

Additionally, the voices of girls are set to resonate through media platforms like MTV via the 8M Infinito campaign, championing gender equality across Latin America.

KFC: Rearranging Leadership Titles

KFC has also stepped up in supporting girls' empowerment, particularly in leadership roles. Their initiative, which aligns with Plan International’s mission, emphasizes creating educational and employment pathways for youth, especially girls and those with disabilities. Recently, "Girls Takeover" events were held at KFC corporate offices in Plano, Texas, and Bangkok, Thailand, where girls assumed key leadership roles such as Chief People and Culture Officer, showcasing their potential to break stereotypes and lead with confidence.

These role-reversal experiences aim to inspire social media discussions and share compelling stories that drive home the message about youth leadership and empowerment.

Campaign Overview and Ongoing Initiatives

The overarching aim of the "Empower Girls. Change the Future" campaign is to illustrate the transformative power of education and leadership in shaping girls' futures. With a specific focus on accelerating action to close the gender gap, the campaign encourages effective partnerships, knowledge sharing through blogs, and the exciting "#HerFutureStartsNow" social media challenge, inviting people across the globe to engage thoughtfully in conversations around leadership and aspirations.

Plan International works relentlessly to tackle the challenges faced by children, particularly girls, and underlines its commitment through a rich history of advocacy and partnership. With over 85 years of experience, the organization has successfully impacted the lives of many, placing children at the heart of its efforts. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the focus remains on fostering a world where every girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, decide, and thrive.

To learn more about this campaign and how you can contribute to this significant cause, visit www.planusa.org.