The International Day of the Girl Child is a day set aside to recognize the rights of all girls globally. It’s an opportunity to build confidence in girls and help them realize their potential.
On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
This year’s theme is “The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030.”
Here are eight reasons the International Day of the Girl Child is important.
1.) The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
2.) There are 1.1 billion girls in the world, and every one of them deserves equal opportunities for a better future. They are a source of energy, power, and creativity.
3.) Yet, most girls face disadvantage and discrimination daily, and those living through crises are suffering even more.
4.) Every 10 minutes, somewhere in the world, an adolescent girl dies as a result of violence. In humanitarian emergencies, gender-based violence often increases, subjecting girls to sexual and physical violence, child marriage, exploitation, and trafficking.
5.) Adolescent girls in conflict zones are 90 percent more likely to be out of school when compared to girls in conflict-free countries, compromising their prospects for work and financial independence as adults.
6.) To end violence against women and girls, to recognize indigenous rights, and to build peaceful and cohesive communities.
7.) By tackling issues girls face, especially in conflict & disaster, we can help every girl achieve her dreams.
8.) Investing in adolescent girls can have a formidable ripple effect to create a better world by 2030. On this International Day of the Girl, join us in highlighting the unique challenges and potential of adolescent girls.
Who is today’s girl? She’s tomorrow’s great leader. She is the president of her senior class and the future president of her nation. She’s the up-and-coming CEO of a Fortune 500 company and the brains behind the next breakthrough in the medical sector.
She is a successful entrepreneur and employer. She is a future gold medal Olympic athlete, an inventor, an entrepreneur, and a philosopher. She impacts her community—today and into the future.
Across the world, empowered girls are raising their voices to fight for their rights and protection in all contexts.
