In celebration of the world’s first ever International Day of the Girl, Plan and the Southbank Centre teamed up to host the ‘WOW Girls’ festival, featuring an all-girl take-over of the EDF Energy London Eye.
Some of the country’s most inspiring women from sport, television, the arts, science, business and politics met with schoolgirls between the ages of 11 and 18, to deliver ‘speed-mentoring’ sessions in each of the Eye’s 32 capsules.
Over 200 pupils from across the UK took part, as well as girls from some of the developing countries where Plan works.
The mentors spent one hour with their mentees as the wheel completed two full circuits. As well as enjoying spectacular views over the city, these high-flying women shared their own experiences and helped inspire girls to pursue their goals. This was followed by a special brunch at the Southbank Centre, followed by a keynote speech by philanthropist and campaigner, Sarah Brown.
The Eye also turned pink and white for the day, along with other international land marks such as the Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, the pyramids of Giza, the Charminar and the CN tower. 11-time Paralympic gold medal winner, Sarah Storey, was present at the lighting of the wheel.
“I’m here to support girls’ education, because if you educate girls you end up educating whole families,” says Guardian columnist Lucy Mangan.
“Today has been fantastic because it’s not often you get a group of really inspirational women in one room,” says actress and screenwriter, Katy Gibbons, one of the mentors supporting the day.
Celebrate the Day of the Girl
Raise your Hand – call on the UN to make girls education a priority |
A collection of skins to decorate your social media platforms |
Plan Talks
As part of the day events Plan also organised Plan Talks: a series of inspirational and intimate ‘armchair’ talks led by some of the most influential and inspiring women. In an intimate setting speakers’ told their story and talked about the choices they’ve made in their lives, the importance of education, and the challenges they have faced. To find out more about Plan Talk email us
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