Úna Healy is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator living and working in Dublin. Since graduating from IADT, she has worked extensively in the Graphics business in both Ireland and the UK .

Úna lives in a very busy household with her husband, her three children and her golden retriever. Some years ago, Úna and her family sponsored a young boy called Gbaon from Burkino Faso through Plan Ireland, so was delighted when she was asked to write a blog post for Plan Ireland.

Because I am a Girl I ask …for a world where every person, regardless of who they are, is treated with dignity, respect and equality

Because I am a Girl I believe …that dignity, respect and equality should be taught to our children from an early age, so that they grow up accepting this as a basic human right.

Because I am a Girl I hope … that we can protect other girls, throughout our world, who are living in terrible circumstances, where their lives are often in danger and where they are not valued as human beings.

Because I am a Girl I wonder … at the incredible strength, beauty and healing power of the nature that surrounds our every living day.

Because I am a Girl I dream … that the world in which my children will be adults in, will be a safe, humane, loving and war-free world.

Because I am a Girl I remember … growing up in a family where I felt secure and loved, where I was encouraged to learn and taught that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and a sprinkling of good luck.

Because I am a Girl I like … that I became a Mother and experienced the joy of holding my children in my arms and that with the support of family and friends, they are growing up in a warm, secure environment.

Because I am a Girl I dislike … that news of murder and suicide among young people is becoming a daily occurrence in our country.

Because I am a Girl I feel … privileged to have the gift of a living a healthy life, surrounded by the people I love.

Because I am a Girl I celebrate… that no matter what, there is always hope.