Girls from Manchester are joining a global movement to stand up for the world’s poorest girls.

Pupils from Withington Girls school will be joining the World Wide Walk in support of Plan UK’s, “Because I am a Girl” campaign.

On 26^th March, 2014, the International Day of the Girl, girls from schools across the UK will come together to walk around the world, 40,075km, to raise £250,000 for Plan’s projects supporting girls to be able to complete their education. Withington girls will walk 1 km each and aim to raise £35 each in sponsorship. £35 could help support a girl's education in Uganda by providing essential school items – including uniform, textbooks and pencils.

“Girls suffer most from the effects of poverty, and face double discrimination due to their age and sex,” says Tanya Barron, Chief Executive of Plan UK. “Worldwide, at least one in five girls is denied the chance to go to secondary school.”

“Not only is this unjust – it’s also a huge waste of potential. This is our moment to show the world why educating girls must be a priority.”

Studies have found that in developing countries an extra year of education increases a girl’s income by up to 20 per cent. Educated girls are less likely to marry young and have children early, and are more likely to understand and realise their rights.

“The support of schoolchildren across the UK can help girls move themselves and their communities from poverty to opportunity,” explains Ms Barron. “With an education and the right support, girls can be a powerful force for change.”

Plan’s ‘Because I am a Girl’ campaign aims to support four million girls to get the education, choices and support they need to move themselves from a life of poverty, to a future with opportunity.

Join the Plan for girls today. For more information visit: www.becauseiamagirl.org.uk