Because I Am a Girl: So, What about Boys?

"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."

Published annually by Plan, this report - the fifth in a series - examines the rights of girls throughout their childhood, adolescence, and as young women. It notes that, while women and children are recognised in policy and planning, girls' particular needs and rights are often ignored. These reports provide evidence, including the voices of girls themselves, as to why they need to be treated differently from boys and from adult women. The reports also use information from a small primary research study set up in 2006 to follow the lives of 142 girls from nine different countries from birth until they are 9 years old.

The resource 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. Fernando Henrique Cardoso, who is former President of Brazil and a member of the Elders (an international non-governmental organisation of public figures noted as elder statesmen, peace activists, and human rights advocates), stresses in the report's foreword that 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. The complementary skills and qualities of both men and women are needed to tackle the enormous challenges we face....Societies with greater equality between men and women, girls and boys, are healthier, safer, more prosperous and more truly democratic."

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

• Start young: preschool 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.