Investing in Girls’ Rights to Transform the Future
On October 11, the International Day of the Girl reminds us of a fundamental truth that still needs to be defended: every girl should have the opportunity to learn, grow, make her own choices, and participate fully in society.
In 2026, the United Nations is marking the day under the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!” This theme was not chosen without girls themselves. It emerged from consultations with girls, girl-led organizations and networks, as well as civil society and United Nations partners.
Child Marriage: Consequences That Can Last a Lifetime
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Every year, more than 12 million girls are married before the age of 18—approximately one every three seconds. Globally, about one in five girls is married before reaching adulthood.
Behind these numbers are rights and opportunities at risk. Early marriage can interrupt a girl’s education, increase the risk of violence and early pregnancy, affect physical and mental health, and limit future economic independence. Crises, conflicts, and displacement can further increase this vulnerability.
Progress Shows That Change Is Possible
The situation remains concerning, but efforts are making a difference. Over the past 25 years, approximately 68 million child marriages have been prevented. Globally, the proportion of girls married before the age of 18 has declined from about one in four to one in five.
This progress demonstrates the importance of taking action on several fronts at once: keeping girls in school, ensuring access to health care and social protection services, challenging discriminatory norms, adopting and enforcing protective laws, and supporting girls’ leadership.
Empowering Girls to Take Action
Investing in girls’ rights is not only about protecting them. It also means recognizing their ability to participate in decisions that affect their lives and their future.
Everyone can contribute: by supporting girls’ education, challenging stereotypes, supporting organizations that defend their rights, amplifying their voices, and encouraging their participation in our schools, organizations, and communities.
This commitment resonates particularly strongly with the educational mission of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). Since their founding, the education of girls and women has played a major role in their history, rooted in the conviction that a solid education fosters the development of the whole person.
That vision remains just as relevant today. Around the world, women play essential roles within families, communities, institutions, the economy, and civil society. Giving girls the opportunity to learn, choose their future, and reach their full potential therefore contributes to building more just, inclusive, and peaceful societies.
October 11 invites us both to recognize how far we have come and to continue moving forward: listening to girls, defending their rights, and giving them the means to shape their own future.