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False information online has left one in five girls (20 percent) feeling physically unsafe, according to The Truth Gap, a new report by Plan International.

The research includes a landmark survey of over 26,000 girls and young women from 26 countries, which also found that exposure to lies and mistruths are having a profound impact on how they engage with issues ranging from Covid-19 to politics.

Plan International, which says the findings lay bare the ‘real life consequences’ of misinformation and disinformation on girls and young women, is calling on governments to educate children and young people in digital literacy.

One in three report that false information is affecting their mental health, leaving them feeling stressed, worried and anxious.

In-depth interviews carried out by Plan International suggest that girls are feeling unsafe because online exchanges are increasing social tensions within communities.

Others reported concerns about bogus events advertised on social media placing them at physical risk, or unreliable medical advice that could harm their health.

More than a quarter (28 percent) of those surveyed have been led to believe a myth or ‘fake fact’ about COVID-19, and one in four (25 percent) have questioned whether to get vaccinated against the virus.

One in five (19 percent) say mistruths are so rife that they have distrusted election results, while one in five (18 percent) have stopped engaging in politics or current affairs as a result.

Girls and young women from low and middle-income countries were more likely to be affected by unreliable or false information online, and twice as likely to have questioned whether to get the vaccine (31 percent) than those in high income countries (16 percent).

In the first large-scale global study to examine the gendered impact of misinformation and disinformation online, it was found that nearly nine in 10 (87 percent) of girls and young women think it has had a negative impact on their lives.

Globally, there was no online source that the majority of those surveyed trusted to provide reliable information.

The most trusted source was mainstream news media, selected by 48 percent, above educational institutions, family members and national governments.

The survey found that Facebook was the social media platform that girls believe to have the most misinformation and disinformation, selected by 65 percent of respondents, followed by TikTok, WhatsApp and YouTube–all at 27 percent.

According to Charlotte*, 23, from Wales, the abundance of false information on the internet can leave people “very, very vulnerable”.

“I think sometimes there’s that lack of accountability in the online world where people can just do things without getting repercussions,” she explains.

Bhagyashri Dengle, Executive Director of Gender Transformative Policy at Plan International said:

“The internet shapes girls’ opinions about themselves, the issues they care about and the world around them. Our research makes clear that the spread of false information online has real life consequences. It is dangerous, it affects girls’ mental health, and it’s yet another thing holding them back from engaging in public life.

“Every day, girls and young women in all their diversity are bombarded online with lies and stereotypes about their bodies, who they are and how they should behave. Images and videos are manipulated to objectify and shame them. Rumours are spread as a form of abuse. And girls have a very real fear that fake events and profiles will lure and trick them into danger offline.”

As part of its Girls Get Equal campaign, Plan International is supporting girls worldwide in calling on governments to take immediate action to increase children and young people’s digital literacy, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to identify false information and engage confidently in online spaces.

The organisation’s survey found that seven out of 10 girls and young women (67 percent) have never been taught how to spot misinformation or disinformation at school.

Mia, 20, from Kenya said: “We are in a world where everything is being done on the internet. We are doing everything digitally. So I think [digital literacy] should be taught in the schools from…the primary schools to secondary schools to universities. So that when we grow up, we have a better view on how to use our digital platforms.”

Dengle continued: “The truth is crucial for girls to make safe decisions and to have power and control over their lives. But right now, girls don’t know what to believe, who to trust and where to find the truth.

“We need to equip girls and all children for an increasingly digital world. That’s why we are backing girls’ calls for digital literacy to be included in their education.”

The girls’ petition can be signed at this link: https://plan-international.org/sign-girls-petition

(Names have been changed)

Chautari Youth Club (CYC), one of project activities of Umbrella Organization Nepal (UON), is a platform where all young people, regardless of their background, can meet together and take part in a range of youth related activities. These includes trainings, workshops, and computer classes, career coaching and counseling. It is a common space where youth learn, share and become informed on a variety of subjects relating to youth. Our aim is to provide specialized and relevant training to young people on how to handle real world challenges. It is like a crash course for adulthood. Limitations are not caused by where youth come from, what their qualification is, what they dream of or who they are. All it needs is a hunger for learning and passion to be a change maker.

Umbrella Organization Nepal (UON), is a non-profit, non-government, family-based child protection organization working to relieve the impact of trafficking, poverty and internal conflict of the country on the children of Nepal through projects, which promote education, reintegration and community development. UON’s main objectives are to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children and vulnerable young adults in their care and to facilitate meaningful, lasting-aid in support of displaced children. UON was established in 2005 under District Administration Office, Kathmandu, Nepal. Since its inception, 400+ children and young people have been directly supported through Residential Childcare Program, Youth Development Program, Family Reintegration Program, Rural School Support Program and Community Empowerment Programs. Likewise after the devastating earthquake in 2015, 3000+ children and families were supported through different projects.

The main activities of UON to date have been to ensure that all the children and young adults in UON’s care, or who have been reintegrated with their families, receive necessary supports that UON can offer. UON was set up, in response to the increasing number of children who were displaced, separated, or orphaned by poverty and the internal conflict in Nepal. Many of these children came to Kathmandu, from extreme remote rural areas, in search of work, and ended up destitute on the streets, living as domestic slaves, or living in poorly managed, often unregistered homes in the Kathmandu valley. From 2005 to early 2009, UON expanded rapidly, rescuing 388 children from adverse conditions in ‘orphanages’ in Kathmandu during that time and supporting other children at risk in their families. With the help of the Nepali District Child Welfare Board (DCWB), UON were instrumental in the closure of sub-standard children’s homes in the Kathmandu Valley, and apart from those rescued, it has additionally assisted several street and destitute children whose cases were brought to the attention of UON. At its peak, UON had eight care homes in Kathmandu with 300+ children under its care. UON acknowledges the negative impacts growing up in institutional care can have on children and therefore firmly hold the belief that the best environment for a child’s development is with their family or, failing this, within their community of origin. Thus UON’s long-term aim is the reintegration of the children in its care. In this regard, UON works to reconnect children with their families/communities and, where possible reintegrate children with their families on a permanent basis. The children in UON’s care come from all areas of the country, making the task of reintegration challenging, not only for family tracing but also for on-going monitoring.

CYC is one of the current programs of UON and it acts as a center where young people and especially care-leavers can come and get advice on a range of topics (e.g. Sexual Reproductive Health, Consent, Academic/Career Pathways, Peer Pressure, Safe Migration, both basic and advanced computer training classes), detailed information through the use of workshops and other support services. We have managed library and free cafeteria in the premises of this center where young people can have tea/coffee themselves and serve to fellows too. The main focus is to encourage and support young people who are not in education or employment to move back into one of those fields, as well as providing a safe and comfortable environment where people of different backgrounds can meet, discuss ideas and form professional networks.

The need of CYC is one of the major learning of UON in its 16 years of working for children with similar background. As per our information, very limited number of organizations running residential care programs is aware of its negative impact. As such many fail to prepare their children before they leave the institutional care. The life in and outside care homes is unimaginably different. They go through series of challenges when they step in real life outside and many fail to cope with the stress and end up in depression or involve in criminal activities for easy earnings; thus the immense need of a care leavers club is realized where they can come and share their problems amongst themselves as well as with Umbrella social workers.

The main objective of CYC is to foster smooth socialization and reintegration of care leavers into their families and communities. It is first of its kind in Nepal and we planned it since 2014. In the center, children leaving institutional care can come for advice & information on what to do next, how to live independently. We are open to needy non-care leavers as well. CYC is a resource center or platform aimed at enabling the children and young adults leaving institutional care to become dignified, independent, employable and responsible citizens of Nepal. Beneficiaries are provided with further in-house trainings, workshops, personal skill development opportunities, financial assistance (in case of urgencies) and psychosocial guidance. CYC supports with the proper skill trainings especially to the care-leavers as many as possible with funds. It is seen as necessary in pursuing the best interests of the children and young adults to support their social reintegration – becoming contributing members of their families and communities – and to foster independence and self-sufficiency. It is also a strategic bridge between institutions and the family/community, aimed at fostering smooth socialization/community reintegration process of care-leavers.

The aims and objectives of CYC is to ensure that all CYC youth have access to supports and opportunities enabling them to live an independent and dignified life in Nepali society, to assist them with this difficult transition from institutional care to family or/and community reintegration, to assist them with difficult transition from school to college/training centers, to assist them to develop the skills and access the tools necessary in finding gainful employment, to encourage technical and vocational training for jobs which have a greater employment rate, to encourage reintegration with families and communities and to gain skills which can benefit their own community, to begin the process of career counselling, to assess and support their capacity, interests and family background to assist them in making the best choice for themselves, to provide support, advice and information to needy young people - concerning smooth socialization and community reintegration, to establish links with employers, scholarship funds, Nepali supporters & education institutions and connect with CYC youth for their better future, to inspire youth to work within their community and to conduct general counseling sessions if requested, and for specific counseling refer to concerned organizations.

The major components of CYC are following as:

• Coffee Shop: A cafeteria (tea & coffee) and Internet access have been managed for free of cost where youth can meet and discuss on relevant topics under the supervision of Youth Coaches.
• Weekly Workshop: Workshops will be provided on varieties of topics that are related to youth/youth-adults. Also considered providing on-demand Workshops.
• Skills Trainings Classes: In-house training on short-term tailoring training and the proper skill trainings based on the fund availability.
• Computer Skill Training Center: Basic and longer-term computer classes will be provided for interested youth. It will include advance courses like programing, website designing and development, movie making, Apps development etc.
• Youth-led Activities: For those youth visiting CYC regularly will be encouraged to involve in various community & educational activities. They are provided with logistic cost based on the fund availability.

The challenge

I am Srijana Bhujel, 19. I have an elder sister and grandparents. My parents left us when we were small and married having their own families. I am the breadwinner in the family. Since my grandparents are sickly we have to do all the household work and study as well. Due to poverty, we sometimes used to skip meals and was about to drop out of school when I was in grade VIII. My grandparents were unable to provide us monthly fees, stationery, school dress, bags and shoes that hindered me from going to school regularly. So, my sister and I came to Kathmandu in search of jobs. We used to do household jobs. I was depressed and unable to concentrate on study and daily job. I dropped my studies and my sister continued her studies in Kathmandu. Covid- 19 pandemic worsened my family condition. During the Covid-19, I joined a restaurant as a waitress. I didn’t feel comfortable to work at restaurants because of owner’s and customer’s behavior. I got a chance to know about OVN through the staff member when they visited my workplace.

The interventions

During the Covid-19 phase, I met staff members of OVN during their field visit. They informed me about the organization and its working strategy. I joined OVN and engaged in the life skill and leadership training. Also I got a business support from the OVN at my own village. I am very thankful to OVN for making my life easy. I got a chance to share my feelings and thoughts with them which made it easy and comfortable to live my life. I used to participate in different awareness programs and training organized by OVN. I got large scale business support from OVN to start a grocery shop in my own village. From the money I earned through the business, I continued my education and helped my family. I am happy for this support and plan to save some of my profit for the future.

The result

With the money earned from the grocery store, I have been able to continue my education by paying my school fees, buying stationeries and my family has been getting nutritious food as well. At present, I am continuing my studies in grade 11 in Education. My aim is to become a good business woman or a teacher. The generous support of the OVN is an inspiration for me to fulfill the aim and become a role model for others. My family and I are always grateful to Opportunity Village Nepal for its constant support to many children to fulfill their rights to education, survival, participants and development. I proudly say that my future is secured. I have confidence that I will do well and achieve my dreams.

***

The challenge

Rojina Kumari Sarki is 24 years old. She is from the Beni Municipality of Myagdi District. She hails from a poor family background. She has suffered from sexual abuse in her childhood. It was hard for her to survive in the same society and continue her education. Therefore, she was recommended by the ward office to receive shelter support. Her father died of sickness and her family condition became worse. Her single mother has to spend on her sister’s education and their livelihood too. She recently completed grade 10. Further, she had to struggle by herself for her livelihood and education as well. In this situation, she got connected with OVN through a social worker and shared her story.

The interventions

She was given constant counseling by sisters and staffers and the opportunity to take part in various in-house activities. She got the opportunity to take part in various programs organized by OVN like art of skilled facilitation, PSG, peer counselor training, life skill training, leadership training, psychosocial well-being, and self-healing sessions, etc. Further individual counseling sessions, in-house sessions, and other various programs provided by Good Shepherd Sisters motivated her to boost up her confidence level. Individual counseling helped her to have a focus in life and come out of traumatic situations. She got training on a beautician course, both basic and advanced. Due to the Covid-19 situation training got delayed even though she didn’t give up; she is a hard-working girl. Always she wants to learn new things and aims to open her beauty parlor shop. As a result, cosmetic items and furniture were provided to achieve her dream. Now she is running her beauty parlor shop and earning her livelihood.

The result

She earns her livelihood independently. She is running a beauty parlor after completing her six-month beautician course. Empowerment session and involvement in the project as a peer educator made her more active and confident to live independently. She has a way forward to run her business confidently. She had a dream to live a violence-free life and be independent, empowered, and motivated. She saves Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month besides paying rent and meeting household needs. She experienced a vast change in her life.

***

The challenge

Swastika Thing is a 19 year-old girl from Godawari Municipality-18, Dukuchap, Lalitpur District. Currently she lives with her mother and three other siblings. Her family’s economic condition is not good since her father left his family when she was young. Because of poor economic condition, she left her studies and started working as labor worker and later joined Dohari Saanjh (Folk show at night) in Thamel, Kathmandu. The owner promised to pay her pay Rs 10,000 for working 6 hours at night but she was paid only Rs 6,000 for working eight hours. There, she used to work as a waitress and had faced different forms of violence from the guests and owner as well. She had to face misbehavior, intentional touching and abusive words from them. While working, she got information about OVN from her friend.

The interventions

She actively participated in various capacity building activities like life skill and leadership training, in-house sessions, meeting/interaction and awareness campaign conducted by OVN which empowered her enough. Considering her interest to establish beauty parlor, OVN has provided her six-month long advanced level beautician training. Further, analyzing her vulnerability context, she was provided a shelter support from the project which helped her to complete her vocational training without any disturbances. She participated well in all in-house activities conducted in safe home. She had a plan to operate her business by opening the beauty parlor in her area after the training which has not happened due to pandemic. After completion of the training, she was reintegrated into her family with goat rearing business support.

The result

Now she is working as a PSG leader in the project and disseminating information about human trafficking, sexual exploitation and others issues of entertainment sector to her peers and convincing them to get enrolled in the project intervention. She is serving as a bridge to reach out to the other girls working in entertainment sectors. She is practicing her beauty parlor training nearby her house and earns some money from there too. She also rears goats. She earned Rs 10,000 by selling two goats which helped her manage daily needs during the pandemic.

***

The challenge

I am Rekha Dahal, 17 years old. I have two younger brothers. My father is the breadwinner in the family. Since my mother is sick, I have to do all the household work and study as well. Due to poverty, I sometimes used to skip meals and was about to be dropped out of school when I was in grade eight. My family was unable to pay my monthly fees, and for stationery, school dress, bags and shoes that hindered me from going to school regularly. My father’s earning is not sufficient for the family. I was depressed and unable to concentrate on my studies. I used to roam around on the road, playing with children. I hardly stayed at home. I did not have a focus in life. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened my family’s condition.

The interventions

Once I met the Good Shepherd Sisters during their regular family visit in our village, I got the chance to share my suffering. The next day, I approached Opportunity Village Nepal (OVN) organization, asking for support to continue my education since I was unable to pay school fees. After studying my situation and family condition, Opportunity Village Nepal supported us with a livelihood program during the pandemic. Through that support, we bought a cow and have started to earn by selling milk. Further, individual counseling and value education classes provided by Good Shepherd Sisters motivated me to continue my education and set up a goal in my life. They showed me the right path in my life through their inspiring speeches. Considering our misery, I and my family have received medical support from OVN.

The result

With the money earned from the selling of milk, I am able to continue my education by paying my school fees, buying stationeries and my family has been getting nutritious food as well. Before I used to fall sick often, but now my health condition has improved. At present, I am continuing my studies in grade ten. My aim is to become a computer engineer. The generous support of the Good Shepherd Sisters is an inspiration for me to fulfill the aim of my life and become a role model for others. I am always grateful to Opportunity Village Nepal for its constant support to many children.

Kulsan Khatun, 48-yearold resident of Mahottari district Ward Number 6, welcomes visitors to her farm with sparkling smile. “I started farming vegetables like bottle gourd, pumpkin, sponge guard, cucumber, bitter guard, beans and okra by applying climate-friendly method. Among them, okra, cucumber, pumpkin, sponge guard, bottle gourd are ready to be sold and beans have just started flowering.” Her land has become a source of livelihood for her family of 15 members.

It now fulfills the vegetable needs of her family and has also become the main source of income. With some regret she continues explaining, “I was involved in farming for a long time but due to inadequate knowledge about adaptation farming, and appropriate seed quality, I always experience crop failure due to infection of unwanted insect and pest. After only small quantities of vegetables were produced, she felt discouraged.

But the support of Local Initiatives to Reduce Impacts of Climate Change (LIRIC) project implemented by ADRA and CDAFN and funded by European Union, motivated her to restart vegetable farming. The Climate Field School conducted by the project really helped her a lot. “The project staffs showed us practical demonstrations of various vegetable farming which is very useful for us and I followed that system of farming nowadays which benefits me a lot.” She further mentions, “Before, I started this, we had to buy vegetables worth Rs 500 every day to put three meals on the plate for our family and that too was not sufficient.”

But now the family is not worried about buying vegetables. Instead, they can eat as much vegetables as they want from their own land and sell the surplus. According to Kulsan, she saves around Rs 10,000 when she doesn’t have to buy vegetables. She also opened a bank account in her granddaughter’s name and has started saving Rs 3,000 a month so that she can use it in the future.