Once again, we celebrate International Day of the Girl by acknowledging girls worldwide.
The date, 11th October, was declared by the United Unions General Assembly in December 2011, with the inaugural day observed on the 11th October 2012.
This year’s theme is “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, a fitting concept. When we listen to girls to understand what they want, we can work together and provide the support that will enable them to take an active role in shaping the world that they want to live in. Although countries such as Mexico and Sri Lanka recently elected their first female leaders, girls around the globe are still the casualties of human rights injustices. We do not have to think too hard to identify countries where gender inequalities are prevalent, some, for example, where girls are denied the right to an education,
Rather than share the voice of a woman, the following words from a teenager who has been championing the rights of girls for several years clearly explain a girl’s vision for the future:
“My vision for the future is one where every girl has unlimited, unhindered, and unbarred access to quality education. It is a future where every child is granted this fundamental right. Every child deserves access to education, and it is our responsibility to ensure this happens.
“We must invest in education to secure a brighter future. Education is a vaccine for poverty.
“Providing quality education is the greatest gift we can offer to create a better world.
“To realize my vision of equal access to education for every child, three key actions must take place:
- Governments must commit to creating and strictly enforcing policies that combat harmful cultural practices, such as child marriage, and any form of violence against girls.
- A widespread awareness campaign on the value of educating girls must be created, particularly in communities, villages, and rural areas. This effort must involve the active participation of leaders at every level—Presidents, Prime Ministers, Governors, Legislators, traditional and religious leaders—advocating for the rights of girls.
- Education must be made free for every child, in every country. It is time for world leaders to come together and ensure that education is universally accessible. Free education is the most meaningful gift any leader can offer their nation. Efforts must focus on ensuring equal access to education for all.
“With free education, I envision a future filled with hope, limitless opportunities, and ground-breaking achievements.
“Let’s work together to actualize this great vision.”
Joy Life Alegbemi
Girl Child Advocate, Pioneer, Girl Child “I Subscribe” Project.
In summary, if we want to create a world where every girl knows that she matters, we can do so by including them in the decision-making process. Working together, we can achieve great things.
Happy International Day of the Girl.
Roxanne St Clair
SI Croydon & District