The International Day of the Girl Child

In third world countries across the world, girls are facing numerous social issues every day. Discrimination and violence against girls and violations of their human rights still happen.

The United Nations (UN) felt a need to raise the consciousness of the challenges that millions of girls face every day. In December 2011, the UN declared that it would annually observe the International Day of the Girl Child, starting from October 11, 2012.

The theme of this year for the day is “My Voice, Our Equal Future” which emphasizes girls' rights.

The International Day of the Girl Child promotes girls’ rights and highpoints gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys. It is a UN observance that is annually held on October 11. The observation supports more opportunities for girls and increases awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender.

The International Day of the Girl Child gives people and organizations the opportunity to raise public awareness of the different types of discrimination and abuse that many girls around the world suffer from. On this day, many community and political leaders talk to the public about the importance of girls’ right to equal education and their fundamental freedoms. Various events are held to showcase the work that people are doing to empower girls through active support and engagement with parents, families, and the wider community.