Plan Ireland has teamed up with the Irish Girl Guides, now in their centenary year, to focus attention on girls’ rights.

Plan’s ‘Because I am a Girl’ global campaign aims to raise awareness of girls’ rights in the developing world, fight gender inequality and break the cycle of poverty for millions of girls worldwide.

Pictured left: Ailill Dornan and Julieanne Philips, both age 9

This nationwide partnership and initiative recognises the power that Irish girls have to impact their communities and change the world around them. The project encourages every Member of the Irish Girl Guides to raise awareness and take real action on the issues that matter to her and those around her.

Irish Girl Guides across the country are learning about the ‘Because I am a Girl’ campaign as a way to speak out and take action on issues of girl empowerment. Plan Ireland and the Irish Girl Guides will work together to raise awareness in Ireland of the plight of girls in the developing world. Pictured below: Aisling Finn & Grace Saville both age 5

From February 2012, the Irish Girl Guides will actively engage in learning activities with Plan Ireland based on the Millennium Development Goals and girls in developing countries. The partnership will culminate in Plan Ireland hosting an innovative and interactive workshop at the Irish Girl Guide’s international Camp 101 which takes place in July 2012.

Commenting on the partnership, President of the Irish Girl Guides, Maureen Dillon said, “The Irish Girl Guides is delighted to partner with Plan Ireland’s ‘Because I am a Girl’ campaign which aims to highlight gender discrimination in developing countries.

 “As a girl-only promoter of diversity and inclusion, the Irish Girl Guides welcomes this opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with girls in a global context and get involved with this worldwide campaign focused on helping girls realise their true potential".

Pictured above: Irish Girl Guides President Maureen Dillon pictured with Plan Ireland board member Margaret Gilsenan and Irish Girl Guides from across the country