International Day of the Girl Child is observed on October 11 to raise awareness about the importance and potential girls hold as the future of our society. In 2022, we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl (IDG). 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 fulfilment of their human rights.
International Day of the Girl Child 2022: Theme
This year’s theme for the International Day of the Girl Child is “Our time is now—our rights, our future”. The focus is on the multitude of challenges put in front of girls’ path to reach their potential. This has been made worse by the ongoing crises of climate change, COVID-19 and humanitarian conflict around the globe. Girls struggle with issues related to their education, their physical and mental wellness, and leading a life without violence.
International Day of the Girl Child 2022: Significance
The rights of oppressed girls around the world need a voice. International Day of the Girl Child calls for people to become that voice of change and empower them. There are deeply-rooted gender biases that have created problematic mindsets leading to challenges faced by girls every step of the way to attain their potential.
International Day of the Girl Child aims to raise awareness about these issues and work towards an action-oriented plan to uplift young girls. Because empowered girls are the future of a great and progressive society.
International Day of the Girl Child: Background
In 1995 at the World Conference on Women in Beijing countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing the rights of not only women but girls. The Beijing Declaration is the first to specifically call out girls’ rights.
On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.