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Every year on October 11, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of the Girl, a day dedicated to...
Digital Desk: Every year on October 11, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of the Girl, a day dedicated to raising awareness about gender inequality and advocating for the rights and empowerment of girls. This day, first celebrated in 2012, aims to draw attention to the unique challenges girls face and the need to promote their empowerment and human rights. This year, the International Day of the Girl carries the theme, "Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being."
The history of this day dates back to the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing, where countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a groundbreaking blueprint for advancing the rights of women and girls. Notably, this declaration was the first to specifically address girls' rights. On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution 66/170, designating October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, with the primary purpose of recognizing and advocating for girls' rights globally.
This year's theme, "Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being," underscores the importance of investing in girls' leadership and rights to promote gender equality. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the transformative power of girls' leadership, stating, "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."
The United Nations highlights the significance of investing in girls during their formative years. By effectively supporting adolescent girls, society can harness their potential to change the world. These empowered girls of today will become tomorrow's workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders. This investment in adolescent girls not only upholds their rights today but also promises a more equitable and prosperous future, where half of humanity becomes an equal partner in addressing global challenges such as climate change, political conflicts, economic growth, disease prevention, and sustainability.
Achieving gender equality and women's empowerment is a fundamental component of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015 as part of the Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030. Ensuring the rights of women and girls is crucial to achieving justice and inclusion, fostering economies that work for everyone, and preserving a shared environment for present and future generations. International Day of the Girl serves as a reminder that advancing gender equality and girls' rights is not only a moral imperative but also essential for achieving a better world for all.
In summary, the International Day of the Girl, observed annually on October 11, is a global initiative aimed at addressing gender inequality, advocating for girls' rights and empowerment, and investing in their leadership for a brighter and more equitable future. The theme for 2023, "Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being," emphasizes the transformative power of girls and their role in shaping a fairer and more prosperous world. As we mark this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting girls' rights and promoting their well-being, ensuring that every girl can lead and thrive.
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