Setting vision for girls’ future

On Friday, the world will celebrate the 2024 International Day of the Girl. And like previous commemorations, the welfare of the girl child is the focus. This year, the theme is ‘Girls’ vision for the future;’ this theme conveys the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.

The theme is against the background that today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty and pushback on hard-won gains for human rights and gender equality.

But in spite of massive advocacy across the world, many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their futures. And for girls to have a future, they need support and allies who support their dreams and provide an enabling environment, resources and opportunities.

It is said that investing in girls is not only the right thing to do for them, but it also brings positive impacts to their families, communities and societies as a whole.

The World Conference on Women in Beijing countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995.  The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action has been described as the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing the rights of not only women but girls as the first instrument to specifically call out girls’ rights.

And on December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child in order to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

And as the world celebrates girls on Friday, advocates have renewed calls that girls be provided the right to a safe, educated and healthy life, not only during critical formative years but also as they mature into women because this will allow them to explore their potential to change the world.

This year’s commemoration is dedicated to highlighting the challenges faced by girls around the world and promoting their empowerment, education, and rights while serving as a reminder of the need to address gender inequalities, discrimination and violence against girls and to create a brighter future for them.

The day is dedicated to recognizing and promoting the rights and well-being of girls worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of empowering girls through education, access to healthcare, and protection from violence and discrimination. This day also encourages girls to dream big, pursue their goals, and contribute to building a more equitable and just world.

Those that want to get involved in the commemoration are encouraged to engage in the following activities; support initiatives that provide girls with access to quality education, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and school construction projects, advocate for policies and programs that promote gender equality in all areas of life, from education to healthcare to economic opportunities, contribute to programs that provide healthcare and nutrition support for girls, particularly in underserved communities, raise awareness about and work to prevent violence, harassment, and discrimination against girls, young women as well as become a mentor or role model for girls in your community, helping them build confidence and pursue their dreams and join or initiate awareness campaigns, events, and discussions that focus on girls’ rights and empowerment.

Since its inception, International Day of the Girl Child has gained momentum, with various organizations and advocates working together to empower girls, eliminate gender-based violence, and ensure equal opportunities for all children.

There are relevant Hashtags suggested for advocates for girls’ rights and empowerment to use for this year’s celebration; #DayOfTheGirl, #GirlsEmpowerment, #GenderEquality, #GirlsRights, #GirlChildEducation, #EndChildMarriage and #EqualityForGirls

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