Girlguiding UK supports the Because I am a Girl campaign

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides throughout the UK, are being inspired to take action by the findings of Plan's new report on the state of the worlds girls. Many of them have been shocked to find that some of their peers are married off at as little as ten years old and receive little or no schooling or healthcare. In fact in most areas of their lives they fare badly compared to boys of the same age. Charlie Hamilton, young leader of Galmington Brownies in Somerset, told her local paper, "Some people feel helpless in the face of big issues like inequality but Guiding gives girls a practical opportunity to do something about it."

Many groups are producing brightly coloured pictures of girls to send to Plan, as symbols of what equality means to them and as a promise to help. The girls are also making the campaign pledge and encouraging others to do the same:

"I pledge to do what I can, when I can, where I can, to fight for equality and create a fair world where all girls can live without fear and fulfil their dreams."

Making the pledge is a great way for individuals to start thinking about practical ways they can support and promote girls' rights. Actions which may seem small in themselves can make a big difference over the long term when lots of people are determined to change things for the better.

30th Westminster Brownies held a decorated cake sale to support the campaign and raised enough money to provide birth registration for seven children through Plan's alternative gifts catalogue. Well done girls!