Every year on October 11 the world marks International Day of the Girl (IDG). Plan International Canada is inviting you to join the celebrations!

In 2012, Plan International Canada led the global movement to make IDG a reality, garnering all-party support from the Canadian Parliament and the United Nations. Since then, we have celebrated it annually, igniting a global mass movement to amplify girls’ voices, advocate for their rights, and elevate their position in society.

Why is International Day of the Girl so important? Because what’s considered “normal” for millions of girls is unacceptable:
• An estimated 130 million girls are currently out of school, with the highest proportion aged 15-17;
• Every two seconds a girl under 18 is forced into marriage;
• Each year, 15 million girls are married by their 18th birthday;
• Complications for pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for girls aged 15-19 across the
world.

In Canada and around the world, normal is girls denied equality.

This year, on International Day of the Girl support girls around the world to Defy Normal.

We know that girls who can exercise their rights can reach their full potential and help to create a healthier, more equal and prosperous world for us all.

Join the social media conversation by posting your best defiant pose and telling @PlanCanada how you will #DefyNormal for girls’ rights and gender equality.