Our Most Important Videos of 2022 Girls and women rise to overcome challenges

Don’t Miss Our Most Important Videos of 2022

We hope these glimpses into girls’ lives worldwide have empowered you to stand up for your rights and the rights of girls and women everywhere.

In Somalia, 7.1 million people do not have enough to eat daily, including 11-year-old Najma. Although the hunger crisis has forced Najma to leave school and help her mother, she continues to read and dream of changing the circumstances in her community so her friends, family and neighbours can lead better lives.

Najma, 11, wants to bring change to her community in Somalia, a hunger hotspot.

Girls, women and their communities rally for their rights

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Words: Jessica Czarnecki Design: Belle Vo

1. Somalia

In 2022, the world experienced incredible challenges: the worst global hunger crisis in decades, conflict in Ukraine and a staggering setback in gender equality in many countries. Yet the inspiring women and girls in these videos show that we can all make a difference.

It is my dream to see my community have a better life.

Asly, 12, has been a sponsored child with Plan International Canada for three years. In her community in Nicaragua, some girls and women experience physical and emotional abuse from their male partners and family members and are expected to remain in traditional caretaking roles. To promote equality for girls and women, Asly and her friends write and perform educational puppet shows for audiences that include boys and men and influential government and institutional officials.

Asly, 12, raises awareness about gender inequality with puppet shows.

Let’s not give up! We will try to win it for all girls around the world.

2. Nicaragua

– Najma

– Asly

In drought-prone areas of Kenya, some girls like Nasra, 12, must walk up to 48 kilometres a day – and often must miss school – to fetch water for their families.

Nasra, 12, goes to school tired and hungry after walking long distances for water.

3. Kenya

– Evelyn Wambui, Plan International MEESA

Most of the days they find no food and have to survive on black tea for the night, hoping that tomorrow will be a better day.

Maryam and Beverly are legacy donors, meaning they’ve left gifts in their wills to support Plan International Canada’s work. Maryam was motivated to make the world a better place for girls after she witnessed gender inequality growing up in Pakistan and experienced it herself when she attended pilot school in Canada. And even at 27, Beverly wanted to ensure she could make a difference for children beyond her lived years.

Maryam and Beverly are creating their legacies with Plan International Canada.

– Maryam

I think it’s wonderful that there’s such a big community of people… working towards something much bigger than us.

4. Canada

Periods and puberty are among the most natural experiences in a young woman’s life. But many adolescent girls are afraid to talk about their changing bodies with their fathers because the topic can be considered taboo. After attending discussion groups about sexual and reproductive health, fathers like Kholisani and Leonard have stronger, healthier relationships with their daughters.

Girls in Zimbabwe can open up to their dads about periods and other formerly-taboo topics.

My heart has been liberated. I can talk [to my daughter] freely and without shame.

– Kholisani

5. Zimbabwe

Najma Dreams of Changing the World

Asly Acts out Against Gender Inequality

Nasra Walks 48km for Clean Water. Every Day.

It’s a Tie! Maryam Will Make a Lasting Difference and Beverly’s Generosity Will Live on

Dads in Zimbabwe Shut Down Period Shame

Browse gifts

Want to learn how you can help girls around the world?

The gift of a food basket provides life-saving nourishment to communities like Najma’s. Give one (or two, or three) today!

Take a journey with sponsored children around the world! Check out more videos like Asly’s on our interactive sponsorship map!

Widespread droughts are worsening the global hunger crisis. Find out how you can help fight hunger today.

What world do you want to leave behind? Contact us to learn more about creating your legacy with Plan International Canada.

Give the pads for periods gift to help end period shaming, provide period products and teach girls about menstrual health!