International Day of the Girl Child-11th October

Known as the Day of Girls, for short, the International Day of the Girl Child is a day that’s observed all over the world to bring a light to and fight the injustices and inequalities faced by girls based on their gender.

The day is marked by efforts both to raise awareness and to offer opportunities to girls and young women, addressing issues like access to education, healthcare rights, career and employment and much more.

History of International Day of the Girl Child

The day was initially a project designed by the non-governmental international organization, Plan International. It was inspired by their “Because I Am A Girl” campaign, which celebrated and encouraged the increasing role of girls and young women in efforts to raise awareness of gender issues across the world.

Eventually, Plan International urged the United Nations to get involved, and the first official Day of Girls took place in 2012, with a resolution backed by the international organization to cement it.

Since then, International Day of the Girl Child has been celebrated with a new theme every year. Those themes tackle the issues girls and young women face, but especially in developing nations where they don’t have as strong a voice advocating for them.

Over the years, worldwide initiatives have been taken with aims such as ending child marriage, innovating education for girls, and training young women with skills to help them excel in the workplace. Since then, thousands of events are planned every year, across the world, both sponsored by the United Nations and by independent initiatives like nonprofits and local organizations.

Every time International Day of the Girl Child comes around, groups and organizations of all sizes, as well as lone volunteers, are encouraged to raise awareness of and campaign against the discrimination and violence that girls face across the world, even with the introduction of laws, policies, and global targets meant to eliminate them.

How to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child

As the theme of International Day of the Girl Child, and the issue they are trying to tackle, changes every year, so too does the ways that you can help.

In any case, it won’t be too difficult to find events, classes, and volunteering efforts around you that could use your attention and support.

Furthermore, everyone is encouraged to signal boost events and campaigns tied to the day through social media, spreading awareness of the cause and the issues that it’s trying to tackle.

Otherwise, there are few better days to educate yourself about the campaigns and global efforts to combat issues disproportionately affecting women, locally and abroad.

While learning, you might see some of the organizations and nonprofits near you raising funds to help women around the world. Organizing fundraisers of your own or hosting events can you way to get involved and show your support for women everywhere.

You are also likely to find local arts groups, from theatre companies to art galleries, hosting shows, exhibitions, and concerts dedicated to girls facing the issues highlighted by the day. Paying to see the show can both be a way of catching up and offering some help.