UNITED STATES: The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated worldwide on October 11th each year. The Day, established by the United Nations, is a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements, potential, and unique obstacles faced by girls across the globe.
The day is dedicated to focusing on the significance of “girls’ education, their rights, and promoting gender equality.” It urges the international community to go beyond mere affirmations of commitment and instead take bold steps to initiate the necessary actions that can empower girls.
It’s a day to reflect on the progress made in advancing gender equality and to acknowledge the work that still lies ahead. Let’s look at this year’s theme, history, and significance of the International Day of the Girl Child.
Theme of the International Day of the Girl Child 2023:
Each year, the day is celebrated with a specific theme that highlights different aspects of the challenges faced by girls and the need for gender equality.
The theme of International Day of the Girl 2023 is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” as per the official website of the United Nations. The theme centres on taking proactive measures to protect and advance the rights of girls and women, fostering progress in gender equality.
Significance:
The International Day of the Girl Child was first observed in 2012, following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the unique challenges girls face, such as discrimination, violence, and limited access to education, healthcare, and opportunities.
History:
In 1995, nations unanimously endorsed the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action during the World Conference on Women in Beijing. This historic document was the most forward-thinking blueprint ever created for the advancement of women’s and girls’ rights. Notably, it marked the first policy to explicitly advocate for the rights of the girl child.
On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 66/170, designating October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. This declaration had a two-fold purpose: to acknowledge the global challenges faced by girls and to bolster their rights.
Adolescent girls have the right to a secure, well-educated, and healthy upbringing as they navigate their crucial developmental years and progress into adulthood. When properly supported, they possess the potential to evolve into empowered individuals who contribute as workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, heads of households, and political leaders of today and tomorrow.
Speaking about the significance of enhancing equitable opportunities for girls and amplifying their voices, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “Women and girls can lead us to a fairer future…let us amplify girls’ voices and recommit to working together to build a world where every girl can lead and thrive.”
While women are breaking boundaries, overcoming barriers, and challenging stereotypes, many still endure and suffer in silence. From maternal healthcare to parental assistance for young moms, as well as digital and life skills training, comprehensive sexuality education, and initiatives to prevent violence, there is a pressing need for more attention and resources for girls to enable their rights.
Empowering girls is not just a matter of gender equality; it’s a fundamental human rights issue and a pathway to a brighter, more prosperous future for all. As we celebrate this day, let us commit to addressing the challenges girls face and working towards a world where every girl can thrive and contribute to the betterment of society.
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