International Girl Child Day is a special day to recognize the value and dignity of every girl and to advocate for her rights and empowerment. It is a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of girls in various fields and sectors. It is also a day to call for action to ensure that every girl has access to quality education, health care, protection, and opportunities. By investing in girls’ rights, we can create a better world for everyone.
What is International Girl Child Day?
International Girl Child Day is an annual event that aims to raise awareness and promote action for the rights and empowerment of girls around the world. It is observed on October 11 every year, since 2012, when it was established by the United Nations General Assembly. The day recognizes the unique challenges that girls face and the potential that they have to contribute to the global development and peace
What is the Theme of International Girl Child Day 2023?
The theme of International Girl Child Day 2023 is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”. This theme emphasizes the need to invest in girls, recognizing that their leadership and well-being are crucial for a fairer and more equal future. The theme also calls for the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was adopted in 1995 as the most progressive blueprint for advancing the rights of women and girls .
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What is the History and Significance of International Girl Child Day?
The history and significance of International Girl Child Day can be traced back to the World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995. This conference resulted in a landmark achievement, as countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was the first international document to explicitly call out the rights of girls. The declaration recognized that girls are often discriminated against and denied their basic human rights, such as education, health, safety, and participation. The declaration also outlined a set of strategic objectives and actions to address these issues and to empower girls .
However, despite the progress made since then, many girls still face multiple barriers and challenges that prevent them from realizing their full potential. According to UNICEF, more than 130 million girls are out of school, more than 12 million girls are married before the age of 18, more than 200 million girls have undergone female genital mutilation, and millions of girls are at risk of violence, abuse, exploitation, and trafficking .
Therefore, in 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. The resolution aimed to focus attention on the importance of girls’ education, rights, and empowerment, and to mobilize global action to address the challenges that girls face. The resolution also reaffirmed the commitment to implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment by 2030.
How to Celebrate International Girl Child Day?
There are many ways to celebrate International Girl Child Day and to support the cause of girls’ rights and empowerment. Some of them are:
• Learn more about the issues that affect girls and share information with others.
• Support organizations that work for girls’ education, health, safety, and participation.
• Donate or fund raise for causes that benefit girls.
• Join or organize events and activities that celebrate girls’ achievements and potential.
• Challenge stereotypes and discrimination against girls.
• Amplify girls’ voices and stories on social media using the hashtag #DayoftheGirl.
• Encourage girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
FAQs
Q. When is International Day of the Girl Child?
A. It is observed on October 11 every year, since 2012.
Q. Why is International Day of the Girl Child celebrated?
A. it is celebrated to focus attention on the importance of girls’ education, rights, and empowerment, and to mobilize global action to address the challenges that girls face.
Q. What is theme of International Day of Girl Child?
A. The theme of International Girl Child Day 2023 is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”.