Because I am a Girl: The State of the World's Girls 2008-Special Focus: In the Shadow of War

This report is the second in a series of eight reports published by Plan examining the rights of girls throughout their childhood, adolescence and as young women. The 2008 report, subtitled ‘In the Shadow of War', examines the state of girls in conflict situations around the world and looks at what happens to them before, during and after war is over. It makes recommendations for change at international, national and local levels. The report is organised in two sections – the first is a comprehensive overview of data and an analysis of why and how girls experience conflict in particular ways due to their age and sex. The second section monitors global statistics to see how girls are faring.

The report uses five ‘lenses' to examine the impact of conflict on girls:
1. Participation and empowerment
2. Security and protection
3. Access to basic services
4. Economic security