International Day of the Girl Child

This day was chosen by the United Nations to recognize the rights of girls and the unique challenges girls face around the globe.

This years’ theme is “Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress: A Global Girl Data Movement”.  According to the UN, by investing in girls’ health, safety and education – both in peacetime and in times of crisis – they are able to reach their dreams and determine their own lives and their communities.

Teenage girls are entitled to education and a safe and healthy life; not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature.

Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, said that investing in girls is a right and at the same time intelligent decision, that can have powerful effects in all areas of development and even in future generations.

He called for ensuring that the UN initiatives reach all girls in the world, especially those who are in extreme poverty; in isolated rural areas; disabled; in indigenous communities; refugees and those who have been displaced within their own countries.

This year’s celebration has focused on the collection and analysis of relevant data categorized by sex, in order to guide policy decisions and key programs, as well as to adequately measure and understand the opportunities and challenges faced by girls.

On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child.