A new report published today by Plan International reveals how armed conflict profoundly impacts children, particularly young girls.
It surveyed over 10,000 young people across 10 countries currently experiencing armed conflict.
The report, titled the State of the World’s Girls, was first published in 2007 and has now been expanded to include young boys for the first time.
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On this morning’s episode of The Briefing, Susanne Legena, CEO of Plan International Australia, joins us to offer a deeper look into how conflict is experienced differently by gender.
Ms Legena said the research involved a large-scale survey of 9,995 children and young people aged 15-24 from 10 countries—Cameroon, Colombia, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sudan, Ukraine, and one country that is unable to be named due to political and operational sensitivities.
“For the first time, the survey has spoken to boys and young men, in addition to girls and young women,” she said.
The findings show that 27 per cent of girls fear sexual violence in conflict zones, compared to 17 per cent of boys.
Girls are also more likely to experience emotional distress, with 58 per cent reporting continuous worry, compared to 49 per cent of boys.
During the interview, Ms Legena called for urgent global attention to address the specific needs of girls in conflict.
“The state of the world can feel overwhelming, but making a difference, and taking a stand against violence, doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” she added.
The report also highlights how girls are more likely to miss out on education, lack access to food and water, and be burdened with domestic responsibilities.
“Governments, donors, and civil society can all play their part in bringing about peace – and so can everyone.”
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