International Day of the Girl 2023: The International Day of the Girl (IDG), celebrated annually on October 11, is a global platform for advocating for the full range of girls’ rights. In ancient times, women were highly respected. But over time, their situation changed drastically. People’s thinking about girls has changed. Conservative practices like child marriage, sati system, dowry system, female feticide etc. became prevalent. As a result, girls were denied rights such as education, nutrition, legal rights and medicine. But now, in this modern age, several efforts are being made to ensure girls their rights and make people aware about it. Government of India is also working in this direction and implementing various schemes.
Since 2012, the International Day of the Girl has been celebrated every year. Its main goal is to empower women and help them achieve their rights so they can face challenges around the world and meet their needs. At the same time, spreading awareness to eliminate gender abnormalities against girls around the world.
“Women’s empowerment is intertwined with respect for human rights”. – Mahnaz Afkhami
Theme of the International Day of the Girl 2023
The theme of the International Day of the Girl 2023 is ‘Invest in girls’ rights: our leadership, our well-being’. According to the UN Organization, “This year, at a time when we see a series of movements and actions to limit the rights of girls and women and slow progress in gender equality, we are seeing particularly heavy impacts on girls. From maternal health care and parenting support for adolescent mothers to digital and life skills; from comprehensive sexuality education to survivor support services and violence prevention programs; there is an urgent need for greater attention and resources to key areas that enable girls to realize their rights and reach their full potential.”
The theme of the International Day of the Girl Child 2022 is ‘The time is now – our rights, our future’. Women have led global movements on issues ranging from sexual and reproductive health rights to equal pay. Today, most of the girls go to school and finish their studies. Now they focus on careers. They are not forced into marriage at a young age. Several movements for adolescent girls have been organized and deal with issues related to child marriage, educational inequality, gender-based violence, climate change, self-esteem and girls’ rights to enter places of worship or public spaces during menstruation. The girls prove that they are unscripted and unstoppable. This year’s theme also celebrates the achievements of girls since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Also Read – International Day of the Girl 2023: Facts and United Nations Initiatives
International Girls History Day
The World Conference on Women was held in Beijing in 1995, where countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It was the most progressive bill to advance not only women’s rights but girls’ rights as well. This declaration is the first to specifically call for the rights of girls. On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 66/170 declaring October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. Its aim is to highlight and recognize the rights of girls and the challenges girls face around the world. Thus, the first International Day of the Girl Child was celebrated on October 11, 2012, and its theme at that time was “Abolition of child marriage”.
The Indian government has also implemented several programs for the empowerment of girls, among which is “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”. Apart from this, the central and state governments are also taking initiatives and implementing various schemes. Every year in India, January 24th is celebrated as National Girl Child Day.
“Women, like men, should try to do the impossible. And when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others”. – Amelia Earhart
“When women participate in the economy, everyone benefits.” – Hillary Clinton
Women’s empowerment programs
Important days and dates in October 2023
Categories: Trends
Source: newstars.edu.vn