On 11 October every year, the International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated. The key goals of the day are to facilitate the empowerment and fulfillment of girls’ human rights, while also emphasizing the difficulties faced by girls around the world.
11 October has been marked as the International Day of the Girl Child worldwide since 2012, with the goal of highlighting and addressing the needs and challenges faced by every girl. The emphasis of the day rests on the task of fostering girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
Access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical treatment, and defense from sexism, violence against women, and forced child marriage are some of the common places where girls around the world face injustice.
Image Source – Pixabay
History of International Day of the Girl Child
In 1995 the Beijing Declaration and Forum for Action, the most radical strategy ever for promoting the rights of women and girls, was unanimously adopted at the World Women’s conference in Beijing. The Declaration is the first to expressly call for the rights of girls.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 on December 19, 2011, to designate October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, acknowledging the rights of girls and the particular challenges facing girls around the world.
The International Girl Child Day focuses on the need to resolve the problems faced by girls and to encourage the education of girls and the fulfillment of their human rights. “On October 11, 2012, the first International Day of the Girl Child was celebrated, and its theme at that time was” Ending Child Marriage.
Theme of International Day of the Girl Child
UNICEF is launching an annual campaign with girls every year on 11 October, the International Day of the Girl, to expand their voices and advocate their rights. This year, let’s take the opportunity to reimagine a better world inspired by adolescent girls, energized and remembered, counted, and invested in, under the theme, “My voice, our equal future”.
As adolescent girls across the globe assert their power as change-makers, International Girls’ Day 2020 focuses on:
- Live free of gender, unsafe activities, HIV and AIDS
- Learn new talents for the future they prefer.
- Lead as a generation of activists to accelerate social change
Image Source – Pixabay
How to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child
As the theme of the Girl Child’s International Day, and the problem they are seeking to solve, shifts every year, so do the ways you can support.
However, gatherings, classes, and volunteering programs around you that may take advantage of your attention and support are not too difficult to find.
In addition, everyone is encouraged to signal a boost to day-to-day activities and programs via social media and to raise awareness of the cause and problems that they are seeking to solve.
Otherwise, there are few better days to educate yourself about initiatives and global initiatives to solve problems that impact women overwhelmingly, both locally and globally.
You could see some of the organizations and charities near you raising funds to support women around the globe while studying. You can continue to get involved and show your support for women everywhere by arranging fundraisers of your own or hosting activities.
From theatre companies to art galleries, holding plays, workshops, and concerts dedicated to girls facing the challenges illustrated by the day, you are also likely to find local arts organizations. Being able to see the show can be both a way to catch up and help.
Image Source – Unsplash
Quotes That Remind Us Girls Are Unstoppable
Here are quotes from many inspiring women and girls who have changed the world a great deal. Just as they say, you must be passionate, believe in yourself, brave, and simply do something good.
- We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
- If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” – Margaret Thatcher
- There are two ways of spreading light. To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton
- We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave – to embrace the strength within themselves and realize their full potential.” – Malala Yousafzai
- “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” -Margaret Thatcher
- “Little girls dance their way into your heart, whirling on the tips of angel wings, scattering gold dust and kisses in our paths” -Anonymous
- “The world needs strong women. Women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved. Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce. Women of indomitable will.” -Amy Tenny
- “Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice.” -Bethany Hamilton
- “A baby girl is one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know, and one of the reasons why there is a little extra sunshine, laughter, and happiness in your world today.” -Anonymous
- “Smiling face of every little girl is the signature of God’s presence.” -Amit Ray
- “When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous.” -Michelle Obama
- “And though she is but little, she is fierce.” -William Shakespeare
- “Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” – G.D. Anderson
- The spark in my eyes is my goal. Let me achieve them. I AM THE FUTURE.” — Habiba Manzo
It helps everybody when adolescent girls are motivated. Empowered girls become empowered women, who are better able to care for themselves and their families, increase their earning capacity, serve as involved, equal citizens and agents of change, and foster community and nation development.
Also Read: “A thank you note to all who empowered me” – Woman
