International Day of the Girl Child

Since 2011, the United Nations General Assembly has marked the International Day of the Girl to encourage governments, policy makers and the general public to protect the rights of girls and to pay attention to actions that promote the development of girls’ full potential.

“The world’s 600 million adolescent girls have shown time and time again that given the skills and the opportunities, they can be the changemakers driving progress in their communities, building back stronger for all, including women, boys and men”, says the UN, which hopes that the next decade will see an acceleration of measures to reduce barriers and risks to their physical and mental well-being.

“Girls’ vision for the future”

This year’s theme highlights both the many challenges girls have faced in recent years, and the urgent need to provide them with ongoing support and opportunities. “When girls lead, the impact is immediate and wide reaching: families, communities and economies are all stronger, our future brighter.”

The data collected confirms the lack of respect for girls’ rights.

  • Around one in five girls is unable to complete lower secondary education.
  • Nearly four out of five girls do not have the chance to complete upper secondary education.
  • It is estimated that one in four married/partnered adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 worldwide has been physically or sexually abused at least once in her life by an intimate partner.
  • Girls aged 5 to 14 spend 160 million more hours a day than boys of the same age on unpaid domestic and care work.
  • Only 14% of girls who are top performers in science and math can expect to work in science or engineering in middle- and high-income countries. That’s a 12% gap compared to top male students.
  • Only 14% of girls who are top performers in science and math can expect to work in science or engineering in middle- and high-income countries. That’s a 12% gap compared to top male students.

To support the girls’ rights awareness campaign, it is suggested that you share real-life stories of girls to showcase their talents, skills, and successes and help change attitudes. It is also a way to inspire others. Any contribution to raise awareness and fight against the factors that hinder the progress of girls in the various regions of the world is also encouraged.

Watch a video highlighting the work of a Ugandan activist against climate change and its disproportionate impact on women and girls in Africa.