As a former Teen Girl-Up Advisor, Teacher, and as a Woman; the meaning of the International Day of the Girl Child has great meaning and significance!
The first International Day of the Girl started on October 11, 2012; as an international observance of advocating, teaching, and bringing awareness to issues facing girls worldwide. It was initially borne from the efforts of an international non-governmental humanitarian service group called Plan International, inspired by their campaign “Because I Am a Girl" campaign. A campaign that envisioned a “global movement to ensure girls everywhere can learn, lead, decide and thrive”.
On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170, to declare October 11, 2012 as the International Day of the Girl Child, as an inaugural day of international observance, recognizing girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. In the short 8 years of observance, we have made great strides in addressing issues facing girls worldwide. In 2013, there were more than 2,000 official activities and organized events marking International Day of the Girl Child, lending voices to the causes of equality. However, there is still much work to be done towards working for equality for all girls!
Some of the persistent issues facing girls worldwide are:
· Lack of education and training, and access to education and training.
· Lack of safety from harm or violence, institutionalized violence and forced servitude.
· Lack to Equal rights to property ownership and other financial opportunities
· Lack of recognition as individuals and citizens of the world.
Many young girls in the world do not have birth certificates! Without proper documentation they cannot obtain and access the necessary services and opportunities that bring about independence and financial independence to build wealth for themselves and their families.
This year, “My Voice, Our Equal Future”, is a theme that recognizes the valiant efforts of girls worldwide that strive to be change-agents and change-makers. This theme is to highlight partnerships, collaboration, and honoring girls worldwide for asserting their demands to/and for:
· To Live free from gender-based violence, harmful practices, and HIV and AIDS
· To Learn new skills towards the futures of their choosing
· To Lead as a generation of activists accelerating social change
· To find Ways to get involved
Many are achieving these aims through organizing digital-activism campaigns, lifting up girl’s voices and visions. There are also girl-led organizations, breaking boundaries and barriers, posed by stereotypes and exclusion of marginalized populations. They are thinking globally and acting locally.
Ms. Rose is a supporter, a friend, and an advocate. #brighterfuture #iamagirl
Here are some resources and organizations with activities and advocacy around International Day of the Girl Child: The Girl Scouts of America considers activities around International Day of Girl Child as a Global Action Day activity. https://www.girlscouts.org/en/for-girls/think-globally.html World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. So many wonderful resources and tool kits! https://www.wagggs.org/en/what-we-do/day-of-the-girl/ Plan International continues to lead on advocating for girls worldwide, and here is a list of ways you can advocate for girls too! The activities look so fun!
Girl-Up is a Girl and Teen led Advocacy Group. Get Involved! https://girlup.org/community
Of course, I have not listed the numerous other ambassadors, organizations and companies, who are collaborating, supporting, and advocating for girls worldwide! Go out and be a CHANGE AGENT!
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