International Girl Child Day 2023: The International Day of the Girl (IDG) observed annually on 11 October is a global platform to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights. In ancient times, women were highly respected. But with time, their situation changed drastically. Thinking of people towards girls changed. Conservative practices like child marriage, the sati system, the dowry system, female foeticide, etc. became prevalent. Due to this, girls were being denied rights like education, nutrition, legal rights and medicine. But now in this modern era, several efforts are being made to provide girls their rights and to make people aware of it. The Indian government is also working in this direction and is implementing various schemes.
Since 2012, International Day of the Girl Child has been celebrated every year. Its main objective is to empower women and help them to get their rights so that they can face challenges all over the world and meet their needs. At the same time, spreading awareness about eliminating gender abnormalities against girls around the world.
Globally, 1 in 5 girls are married or in a union before reaching the age of 18.
— United Nations (@UN) October 10, 2023
In certain countries, this alarming number doubles to nearly 40%.
On Wednesday's #DayOfTheGirl, see how @UNFPA works to #EndChildMarriage: https://t.co/CfsB8YnpFJ pic.twitter.com/lGRsJWhD9G
122 million girls are still out of school, which leaves them more exposed to violence, poverty and exploitation.
— United Nations (@UN) October 11, 2023
We need to ensure equal access to education to achieve a better future for all. More from @UNESCO on the #DayOfTheGirl: https://t.co/zPaEWSwvUQ pic.twitter.com/ToyVuyfhcC
“Women's empowerment is intertwined with respect for human rights”. - Mahnaz Afkhami
International Girl Child Day 2023 Theme
The theme for International Day Of The Girl Child 2023 is 'Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.' According to the UN Organisation, "This year, at a time when we are seeing a range of movements and actions to curtail girls’ and women’s rights and roll back progress on gender equality, we see particularly harsh impacts on girls. From maternal health care and parenting support for adolescent mothers to digital and life skills training; from comprehensive sexuality education to survivor support services and violence prevention programmes; there is an urgent need for increased attention and resources for the key areas that enable girls to realize their rights and achieve their full potential."
The theme of the International Day of the Girl Child 2022 is 'Out 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 are attending school and completing their studies. Now, they are focusing on careers. They are not being forced to marry at a young age. Several movements are organised for adolescent girls and tackling issues related to child marriage, education inequality, gender-based violence, climate change, self-esteem, and girls' rights to enter places of worship or public spaces during menstruation. Girls are proving 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 Girl Child Day 2023: Facts and Initiatives by United Nation
International Day of the Girl Child 2023: History
World Conference on Women took place in Beijing in 1995 where countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It was the most progressive blueprint for advancing not only the rights of women but also of girls. This declaration is the first to specifically call out girls' rights. United Nations General Assembly on 19 December 2011 adopted a resolution 66/170 to declare 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child. It’s aimed to highlight and recognise girls' rights and the challenges that girls face around the world. Thus, the first International Day of the Girl Child was observed on 11 October 2012 and its theme at that time was "Ending Child Marriage".
International Day of the Girl Child 2023: Significance
The October 11th celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child is crucial for bringing attention to the distinct difficulties that girls confront around the world. Girls' rights to education, healthcare, and safety from discrimination and assault are emphasized, along with the necessity of advancing gender equality. This day encourages girls' active engagement in social, economic, and political life and urges for action to overcome gender imbalances. It serves as a reminder of the potential and significance of girls in creating a more just and equal world, as well as how to support their well-being and give them the tools they need to realize their goals.
The Government of India has also implemented several schemes to empower girls, under which "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" is one of them. Apart from this, the central and state governments are also taking initiatives and implementing various schemes.
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