Conflict ‘deepens and amplifies’ gender inequality – new global survey
New global research involving over 10,000 children and young people from 10 countries has found that gender profoundly influences how conflict is experienced.
International Day of the Girl
This International Day of the Girl, we’re standing in solidarity with girls living in conflict around the world.
It is only by uniting for peace that we can truly bring an end to the devastating impact of conflict on girls and boys around the world. Until then, we call for immediate action to support girls, boys, and all civilians facing the dangers of conflict every day.
This International Day of the Girl, we’re partnering with girls and youth activists around the world under our #UniteForPeace campaign, using the heart icon as a symbol of solidarity for girls growing up in conflict.
When is International Day of the Girl?
International Day of the Girl happens annually on October 11th.
What is the theme of International Day of the Girl in 2024?
The theme for International Day of the Girl in 2024 is ‘Girls’ vision for the future.’
Why is there an International Day of the Girl?
11 October has been a key global moment to celebrate the power of girls and highlight the barriers they face since the United Nations adopted it as International Day of the Girl in December 2011.
While there has long been an International Women’s Day and an International Day of the Child, neither of these days recognise the unique position of girls who are discriminated against simply for being young and female.
The aim of International Day of the Girl is to empower girls and amplify their voices to share the issues they experience across the world and the support they want from the international community.
The State of the World’s Girls: Still We Dream
For our State of the World’s Girls Report this year, we spoke to over 10,000 girls and boys from 10 countries afflicted by conflict.
They told us that conflict robs an entire generation of a normal, happy and safe childhood. When conflict breaks out, everyday life – going to school, feeling safe, accessing food, water and other essentials and growing up surrounded by family and friends – changes profoundly, sometimes overnight.
Who started International Day of the Girl?
We led the global effort to build a coalition of support behind the International Day of the Girl, securing support from the Canadian government which took our call all the way to the United Nations.
We worked with girls who believed that an international day could be a launch pad for global action on girls’ rights. Through their stories, ideas and views it was clear that an international day for girls would bring global focus to their lack of representation in the global development agenda and the continued need to push for gender equality.
How can I celebrate International Day of the Girl Child?
Join in with the #UniteForPeace campaign to stand in solidarity with girls living in conflict across the world.
Global #GirlsTakeover
The global #GirlsTakeover is a call to action for radical social and political change to tear down barriers of discrimination and prejudice that continue to hold girls back.
From the United States to Thailand, hundreds of girls step into the roles of leaders for a day to demand equal power, freedom and representation for girls and young women.
Through the #GirlsTakeover, girls occupy spaces where they are rarely seen or heard, making it clear they have the right to be there without being silenced or ignored.
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