On World Childrens Day 2023, Eglantyne Jebb's mission has never been more important.
Eglantyne Jebb – the woman who founded Save the Children over 100 years ago in 1919 – was one of the world’s most influential champions of children’s rights. It began when Jebb saw photos in a newspaper showing children starving because Allied troops’ blockades wouldn’t let supplies through to Germany and Austria.
Jebb was outraged. So, she decided to do something about it.
Disruptor Turned Humanitarian
She created flyers and stood in Trafalgar Square handing them out. The flyers said “Our blockade has caused this – millions of children are starving to death.”
She ended up getting arrested and fined £5 for her protest. The case judge was so impressed by her fire, her determination to help children, that he joined her cause. He paid her fine, making the very first donation to Save the Children.
1924 - The Declaration of the Rights of the Child
100 years ago, our founder Eglantyne Jebb drafted the first declaration of the Rights of the Child. Today, children's rights are still being grossly violated across the world.
She stated:
- Every child should be given what they need to grow up happy and healthy.
- When a child is hungry, they must be fed. When they are sick, they must be cared for. And when they need support, shelter or guidance, they must be given it.
- Whenever there is a crisis, children should be the first to receive aid.
- Every child should be protected against exploitation, and given the chance to earn a living, when the time comes.
- Every child should grow up understanding the importance of using their talents and skills to help others.
All of us have a duty to carry on her legacy and give every child the best start in life. If we want these ideas to stand today we need to act.
She’s still fighting – because we’re still fighting
Save the Children is a global child health leader, providing what children need when they need it most. Whether that’s an eduction, mental health care or a warm blanket.
- We lead the world in protecting children in conflict and warzones – identifying their needs, advocating for their safety and delivering support
- Since 1990, we’ve cut the number of children dying before age 5 by over half.
- Since 2000, we’ve helped reduce the number of children out of school by over a third.
- Since 1990, we’ve helped reduce child marriage worldwide by nearly a third.
You can join our mission by:
