International Girl Child Day: Theme, History, Activities
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International Girl Child Day [11th October]: General Knowledge
Instituted by the United Nations in 2012, International Girl Child Day is a special day observed on 11th October every year to raise awareness about gender-based discrimination and inequality faced by girls. As per numerous global reports and statistics, an alarming number of girls are victims of domestic violence, forced marriages, lack of education, and sexual violence. International Girl Child Day is an occasion to speak about the mentioned issues and the other numerous inequalities and discrimination that girl children face.
International Girl Child Day aims to raise awareness about the lack of access to education, health, nutrition, etc., for girls in an attempt to encourage people around the world to fight against these issues. Know more about the history, theme, and significance of this day here.
International Girl Child Day
International Girl Child Day is a special day dedicated to discussing the challenges faced by girl children worldwide. It is observed on 11th October every year and was first declared by the United Nations in 2012. The aim of International Day of the Girl Child is to spread awareness about gender-based discrimination and inequality faced by girls. This year, the world will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the movement. Here are some details about this day:
History of International Day of the Girl Child
Plan International, an NGO operating worldwide, started the initiative to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child as part of its ‘Because I Am a Girl’ campaign. The target of this campaign was to amplify the cause of providing girls with a nurturing and supportive environment throughout their growing years.
Soon enough, Canada’s Minister for the Status of Women, Rona Ambrose, proposed a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to celebrate International Girl Child Day. The UNGA accepted this resolution on 19th December 2011, and 11th October 2012 was celebrated as the first Girl’s Day.
How Can You Participate in International Girl Child Day?
The United Nations aims to encourage individuals, communities, and governments around the world to participate in the International Girl Child Day observance. Here is how you can participate in the movement:
- Educate yourself and others about the discrimination and inequalities that girls face.
- Reach out to victims of neglect, abuse, and violence, and support them.
- Donte to NGOs that believe in the cause of women empowerment.
- Participate in or host talk sessions about International Day of the Girl Child.
- Share your story and experiences with the world.
Q. When is International Girl Child Day celebrated?
International Girl Child Day is celebrated on 11th October every year. This day is observed to unite world leaders, governments, and individuals in fighting against the injustice, inequality, and discrimination faced by girl children. International Girl Child Day was first celebrated in 2012.
Q. Why is International Girl Child Day celebrated?
Girls around the world continue to face discrimination based on their gender. They are denied access to education; they are the worst sufferers of sexual and domestic violence, and also lack access to nutrition and health. On the professional front, they receive low wages. International Girl Child Day is observed to spread awareness about these issues.
Q. What is the history of International Girl Child Day?
International Day of the Girl Child began as a part of an NGO, Plan Initiative’s ‘Because I Am a Girl’ campaign. The campaign was picked up by the United Nations, which declared International Girl Child Day to be celebrated on every 11th October.