Children and girls in developing countries are the most vulnerable to the escalating climate crisis, increasing their risks of displacement, dropping out of school, and being forced into child marriage. Plan International has long been committed to investing in girls' education and creating more opportunities for those affected by climate change. In December, our brand-new event “Save Our Planet, Save Our Girls” Idle Clothing and Accessories Charity Sale 2024 will be held to raise funds to support vulnerable girls who are severely affected by climate change in Bangladesh by providing them with scholarships, essential education materials as well as water and sanitation facilities.

Girls Battling Hunger and Forced Out of School under Natural Disasters

In the heart of Bangladesh, where rivers weave through low-lying lands, every season brings new challenges to Bangladeshi children. As one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, local families face seasonal threats from floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, especially during the monsoon season. Yet, the aftermath of these natural disasters brings even more trials. Schools and sanitation facilities are being destroyed, food and water become scarce, families struggle to find a living, and children miss out on their education.

Disasters also plunge impoverished families into deeper difficulties. To alleviate the economic burden at home, girls are not only forced to drop out of school but also face a higher risk of becoming victims of child marriage, early pregnancy, and sexual violence.

In May 2024, Cyclone Remal struck the coast of Bangladesh, forcing over 800,000 residents to evacuate. Numerous schools and sanitation facilities were destroyed, hindering the education of many children.

In August 2024, 20-year-old Sumi was trapped by a severe flood in Bangladesh and couldn't access food. Her one-year-old daughter developed a fever and couldn't get immediate medical care. Disasters also plunge other impoverished families into deeper difficulties. To alleviate the economic burden at home, girls are not only forced to drop out of school but also face a higher risk of becoming victims of child marriage, early pregnancy, and sexual violence.

Overcoming Climate Challenges, Unleashing HER potentials

Seeing the dire need for support, Plan International stepped in with a series of initiatives aimed at empowering Bangladeshi girls who are impacted by climate challenges, including supporting their essential needs in education by providing scholarships, educational materials, and skills training so that girls can continue their studies, stay out of child marriage and transform their lives with knowledge.

At the same time, the project will also support communities and schools in rebuilding water and sanitation facilities damaged by disasters, creating a safe learning environment that enables girls to grow their knowledge and pursue their dreams.

The climate crisis has exacerbated the child marriage situation. To safeguard girls' rights, we empower girls by meeting their education needs and building a better and safer learning environment for them, so that they can stay out of child marriage and be able to develop their potential.

The school's water and sanitation infrastructure were destroyed by disasters. The project supports the construction of gender-specific bathrooms and provides sanitary items, ensuring that girls can attend school during menstruation.