International Day of the Girl Child is a globally recognized event observed every year on October 11. This day is celebrated to empower girls and amplify their voices. It is to acknowledge the importance, power, and potential of girls and open up more opportunities for them to grow. At the same time, the awareness day celebrations aim to eliminate gender-based discrimination from across the world.
Malala Yousafzai rightly said, “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.”
Keeping aside all the challenges ahead of us, we must take part in International Day of the Girl Child 2021 and celebrate the girls who are reimagining a better world. Take a look at the given information and learn about the awareness day and ways to get involved.
Story Behind International Day of the Girl Child
The Beijing Declaration, issued at the World Conference on Women in 1995, was the first to advocate for women and girls' rights. It was the first time in the history of the world that the needs of adolescent girls were addressed. After that, in 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 that declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. On October 11, 2012, the General Assembly adopted the proposal and inaugurated the awareness day.
The day began as a part of the international, non-governmental organization Plan International’s campaign “Because I am a Girl.” The idea behind International Day of the Girl Child was to nurture girls, promote their rights, and save them from exploitation.
Why International Day of the Girl Child Matters
- Deep-Rooted Gender-Based Issues In The Society
Gender-based discrimination and oppression are threateningly common issues in most households. Even in developed or developing countries, this issue has been passed down through generations, and girls today face a lot of discrimination. This is why International Day of the Girl Child is being celebrated every year. The aim is to end the plight of young girls all over the world.
- Child Marriage Is Still An Issue
As per the studies, approximately 12 million girls are forced to marry before they turn 18. This number has even increased in the past few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To save young girls from exploitation, the awareness day aims to help girls grow into empowered women.
- This Day Empowers Girls
Amidst the celebration of father’s day, women’s day, mother’s day, celebrating girls and their existence is crucial to empower them. There are many girls who are silently oppressed by the world, and this day is an unprecedented step to help them come out of it. On this day, everyone should appreciate girls who brighten up the entire world.
How to Observe International Day of the Girl Child 2021?
International Day of the Girl Child 2021 is just a few days away. If you are eager to know how you can contribute to it, scroll and learn some prominent ways.
- Sponsor a girl
Sponsoring a girl will not just increase her opportunities of going to school but will also contribute to providing her with a good lifestyle. If you are financially stable, this is the best way to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child 2021. As per the community-focused solutions, by helping one girl, you can benefit four more children.
- Distribute Hygienic Kits
Hygiene is one of the major problems that most women face on a regular basis. Due to a lack of feminine hygiene supplies, the menstruation cycle becomes a barrier between a girl and her education. So, to help girls on the International Day of the Girl Child 2021, provide them with hygiene kits and health training.
- Make Girls Around You Feel Special
Why make girls feel special only on birthdays, dates, or other special occasions? It is essential to appreciate your adolescent daughter, sister, or any other young lady in your life now and then. This International Day of the Girl Child 2021, make sure you provide them a token of appreciation and empower them.
Girls are leaders, history makers, and driving forces for growth all around the world. This is why, as a society, we must pave a path for them to freedom, education, health, joy, and boundless potential. On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child 2021, make sure you step forward and contribute to widening these pathways and supporting girls in bringing a change to this world.
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