International Day of the Girl Child

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International Day of the Girl Child – Where are We Now?

Martha Canning 10 October 2020

With the recent passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, many have reflected upon her accomplishments and what these have meant for women and girls. Like many of you, I felt devastated by her death and fearful for the possible consequences this could have for women’s rights. This feminist icon carved out her place in the world while suffering discrimination and gender inequality, by challenging US laws, practices and policies, one case at a time. Because of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and others working steadily and continually over many years, women’s and girls’ rights have increased and become stronger and more visible than ever.

kyle peyton C0H05P t3g4 unsplash Every October 11 since 2012, global agencies observe the International Day of the Girl Child, to increase awareness of the gender inequality girls face worldwide and inspire action to combat this inequality. Girls worldwide are subject to gender inequality in areas such as access to human rights, medical care, education, a safe environment, employment and nutrition. It has been twenty-five years since the United Nations adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, known as “the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women’s rights.” The Platform for Action made exhaustive commitments to twelve critical areas of concern, one of these being The Girl Child. This inspiring document envisions a world where women and girls are free from discrimination and inequality, and are free to make their own choices and realize their rights. Countries using this document as a blueprint have made concrete changes to improve the lives of women and girls. Increasing numbers of women and girls are protected by laws against gender-based violence and constitutions assuring gender equality. However, the Platform for Action’s vision of gender equality in all aspects of life has still not been achieved in any single country, and change has been excruciatingly slow for too many women and girls in far too many countries. Systemic barriers continue to prevent women and girls from equal participation in society, as well as subjecting them to gender-based violence. Specific actions occurring as a result of gender inequality for girls include child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), unpunished sexual violence and denial of educational and job opportunities. According to the UN, “progress for adolescent girls has not kept pace with the realities they face today, and COVID-19 has reinforced many of these gaps.” This is a fact which we see in our very own Target Project, where the closing of schools due to COVID-19 has resulted in an extended “cutting season” and increases in FGM. There are also indications that the current pandemic has resulted in increases in gender-based violence, FGM and child marriage globally.

We live in a different world today than in 1995, one where youth are speaking up, speaking out, and using social media to express their opinions about inclusive societies, economies and political systems. To capitalize on this, UN Women is uniting this new generation of women’s rights activists with the visionaries and activists from the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to create a new campaign and movement: “Generation Equality: Realizing women’s rights for an equal future.” UN Women states that: “[t]he Generation Equality campaign demands equal pay, equal sharing of unpaid care and domestic work, an end to sexual harassment and all forms of violence against women and girls, health-care services that respond to their needs, and their equal participation in political life and decision-making in all areas of life. This is a multi-year, multi-partner campaign and movement for bold action on gender equality. A clear narrative and actions related to the needs and opportunities of adolescent girls and their solutions is central to the Generation Equality mission.” allef vinicius PA0vICn6DwE unsplash

The theme for International Day of the Girl Child 2020 is: “My Voice, Our Equal Future.” According to the UN:

As adolescent girls worldwide assert their power as change-makers, International Day of the Girl 2020 will focus on their demands to:

Live free from gender-based violence, harmful practices and HIV and AIDS;
Learn new skills towards the futures they choose;
Lead as a generation of activists accelerating social change.

Considering the amount of time that has passed since the Beijing Declaration and looking at which goals have been reached can be overwhelming, but it is important to acknowledge that progress has been and continues to be made. A new generation today is giving a voice to this platform in its own way, and each step brings us closer to a truly gender-equal world. To quote Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”

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Plan of Action:

Connect with girl-focused organizations in your community who are engaged in positive social change. Look for ways to support them, teach them about girls’ rights and share their stories.
Get involved in next year’s global #GirlsTakeover action by Plan International: each year on the International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), girls step into roles in the fields of media, entertainment, business and politics for a day to demand equal power, freedom and representation. To participate, contact:
Keep your eyes wide open. Gender inequality is all around us. Speak up or contact the proper authorities if a situation is suspect.
Encourage a book club selection about an inspiring woman and initiate discussion about women’s and girls’ rights, positive social change and possible actions.
Act as a mentor for vulnerable girls in your area.
Remember to “fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” – RBG.