GENDER: 'Because I am a Girl - The State of the World’s Girls 2011 - So, what about boys?'

'Because I am a Girl: The State of the World’s Girls 2011 - So, what about boys?' is the fifth in a series of annual reports published by Plan examining the rights of girls throughout their childhood, adolescence and as young women.

The report shows that far from being an issue just for women and girls, gender is also about boys and men, and that this needs to be better understood if we are going to have a positive impact on societies and economies.

Drawing on research and case studies, the report argues that working for equality must involve men and boys both as holders of power and as a group that is also suffering the consequences of negative gender stereotypes.

It also makes recommendations for action, showing policy makers and planners what can make a real difference to girls’ lives all over the world, which include:

  • Start young – pre-school education should promote equality between girls and boys and involve parents
  • Transform school curricula to challenge stereotypes and acknowledge difference
  • Support girls’ and boys’ participation in the creation of policies to improve sex education
  • Make schools safe for girls and boys
  • Launch campaigns that challenge discrimination and engage men and boys
  • Pass laws that enable both parents to take an active part in raising their children
  • Enforce legislation to end violence against women and girls
  • Legislate for equal opportunities

Elders member and former Brazil President Fernando Henrique Cardoso who wrote the report foreword said fathers in particular have a key role to play in leaving old ‘machismo’ ideas behind.

“I call on all men and boys to throw their weight behind the campaign for equality and to challenge those who oppose women’s rights and equality,” he said.

“The complementary skills and qualities of both men and women are needed to tackle the enormous challenges we face. This will not be easy. But we will all gain from such changes. Societies with greater equality between men and women, girls and boys, are healthier, safer, more prosperous and more truly democratic.”

For more information please contact the report coordinator, Keshet Bachan: [email protected]

If you would like to request a hard copy of the report please contact the report assistant, Lili Harris: [email protected]

 

Further Information:

pdf: http://www.crin.org/docs/biaag-report-2011-english.pdf

Organisation: 
Web: 
http://www.plan-international.org/girls/resources/what-about-boys-2011.php

Countries

Please note that these reports are hosted by CRIN as a resource for Child Rights campaigners, researchers and other interested parties. Unless otherwise stated, they are not the work of CRIN and their inclusion in our database does not necessarily signify endorsement or agreement with their content by CRIN.