The global #GirlsTakeover on International Day of the Girl (11 October) 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.

Each year, girls from the United States to Thailand hundreds of girls step into the roles of media, entertainment, business and politics 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 and making it clear they have the right to be there without being silenced or ignored.

2019 Takeovers: #RewriteHerStory

This year, girls were demanding radical change in the portrayal of girls and young women in films and entertainment, textbooks, advertising, in video games and through all forms of communication.

Girls challenged the pervasive stereotypes, beliefs and attitudes reinforced by media and entertainment - because these portrayals influence how the world views girls and how they view themselves. 

These takeovers were inspired by our latest research into how media stereotypes affect girls' ambitions.

Girls Get Equal Live 2019

Girls Get Equal Live was held this year in Stockholm on 10th and 11th October. 

Global leaders, influencers and young activists from around the world gathered to tackle the biggest challenges faced by girls and young women all over the world.

The event was hosted by two inspiring young activists from Malawi, Memory and Matilda. 
 

History of the Day of the Girl

Girls march through Uganda to mark the 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.

We led the global effort to build a coalition of support behind the 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. 

How you can get involved

If you would like to take part in 2020's day of #GirlsTakeover action, please get in touch with our corporate partnerships team: corporate.partnerships@plan-international.org