Giving Day 2023
2023 has undeniably been a year of celebration for gender equality, with the Matilda's World Cup journey capturing the imagination of millions and the roaring success of the Barbie film. Finally, girls and women are receiving the acknowledgement they deserve across sport and entertainment.
But we know that there is so much more to do. The World Economic Forum estimates that it will take 131 years until the world sees gender equality. We say that's far too long, and it is time to do more and demand better.
This International Day of the Girl we invited our supporters, old and new, to join us in Beating the Clock on gender equality by donating on our first-ever Giving Day.
The results are in, and they're incredible! Our Giving Day was a resounding success.
Thanks to the wonderful generosity of our supporters, we raised over $100,000 on the day.
This generosity and dedication helped us achieve something truly remarkable. In just 12 hours, together we created a tremendous impact on the lives of girls and communities around the world.
We couldn't have done this without the generous support of some special partners. Every dollar contributed on our giving day was matched, doubling the impact.
A special shout-out to our matching partners on the day: L'Oreal, ModiBodi, Surge Direct, and the late Judith May Thomas.
And also our Giving Day Champions - Dr. Lindsay Sparrow, Mr. Alan White, Ms. Mary Lou, Ms. Mary Apostolopoulos and Dr. Shaun Brennecke. We are so grateful for their support.
It is fair to say that International Day of the Girl (IDG) is the biggest day on our calendar. 2023 was no different, and the day kicked off early with AFL Player, Akec Makur Chuot, appearing on ABC News Breakfast and discussing everything related to IDG.
We then transformed our office in Melbourne into a vibrant telethon HUB, which was buzzing with excitement from the get go.
During the telethon, we were lucky enough to be joined by renowned author, journalist and Plan International Australia Ambassador Benjamin Law, Matilda soccer sensation Emily Gielnik, longtime supporter of Plan International Stefan Dennis, and Akec Makur Chuot. They all jumped on the phones to speak with supporters, sharing their passion for the day and Beating the Clock for gender equality.
Our theme on this IDG was Beat the Clock, a rally cry to speed up progress on gender equality around the world.
According to the The World Economic Forum estimates, a girl born in 2062 in Australia still won't see gender equality in her lifetime. We can't accept that, and you can join us in helping to Beat the Clock.
Between making calls and talking to supporters, Emily Gielnik and Akec Makur Chuot joined our CEO Susanne Legena at our IDG event at Federation Square in Melbourne to kick off our Beat the Clock campaign. They shared their inspiring stories with some excited school kids and passers by. The event finished off with a screening of the classic movie "Bend it Like Beckham" at Fed Square under the open sky.
The generosity of our supporters on Giving Day creates a real and meaningful difference in the lives of the communities that we work with. The funds contributed play a crucial role in making it possible for us to continue our vital work.
With $20,000, we can empower 500 youths in Honiara, Solomon Islands through the Champions of Change program, fostering self-confidence and promoting gender equality.
$40,000 we can help provide menstrual hygiene materials to 1,400 women and girls in Adjumani, Uganda, including those in refugee settlements.
$60,000 can help ensure that 3,350 displaced children in Rakhine, Myanmar receive primary education through temporary learning centers.
And with $80,000, we can provide a month's worth of daily school meals to 9,600 students in Rumbek, South Sudan, promoting regular attendance and combating hunger, especially for girls.
We have been energised by the support shown for our Giving Day, and by the many messages left by our supporters who donated. We are buoyed by their shared passion and belief in gender equality, and their dedication to Beat the Clock.
In the spirit of solidarity with the dreams of girls and young women.
International Day of the Girl reminds us of our vision for a better tomorrow for girls and communities globally. Plan International Australia works alongside communities, so that future generations have a brighter, more equitable future.
Until we are all equal, we won't stop.
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