International Girl Child Day is celebrated annually on October 11. It is a day dedicated to emphasizing the importance of girls’ education, their rights, and promoting gender equality. The day encourages the global community to take tangible actions to empower girls.
International Girl Child Day 2023 Theme
The theme for International Day of the Girl 2023 is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” as declared by the official website of the United Nations.
International Girl Child Day 2023 History and Significance
In 1995, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was unanimously adopted at the World Conference on Women in Beijing. This landmark declaration was a progressive blueprint for advancing the rights of women and girls, making it the first policy to specifically address the rights of the girl child.
On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170, officially designating October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. This day is dedicated to recognizing the challenges faced by girls worldwide and advocating for their rights.
Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life during their formative years and as they transition into womanhood. When supported, they have the potential to become empowered individuals contributing to society as workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household leaders, and political leaders.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities for girls and amplifying their voices. He stated, “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 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serves as a roadmap for sustainable growth. Achieving gender equality and empowering women are fundamental aspects of these 17 goals. International Girl Child Day serves as a reminder of the global commitment to uplift and empower girls and young women to create a more equitable and just world.
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Source: Hindustan Times
