International Day of the Girl Child observed on 11 October

11 October 2013: International Day of the Girl Child

International Day of the Girl Child observed on 11 October 2013 across the world to recognise the girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

The for the year 2013 is Innovating for Girls’ Education

This year’s Day focuses on innovating for girls’ education. Smart and creative use of technology, policies, partnerships and, most of all, the engagement of young people, themselves, are important for overcoming barriers to girls’ learning and achievement.

The International Day of the Girl Child promotes girls' human rights, highlights gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys and addresses the various forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by girls around the world.

The United Nations General Assembly on 19 December 19, 2011 adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

UN Data about Girls

• One in three women and girls experience abuse in their lifetime.
• More than half of sexual assaults are committed against girls under 16 years of age.
• Globally, more than one in three young women aged 20-24 years are married before the age of 18.