The International Day of the Girl Child is an annual event declared by the United Nations that falls on October 11 every year. The global event was established by the United Nations in 2011 to increase awareness of issues faced by girls around the world. The day focuses on recognising the unique challenges girls face around the world and promoting their empowerment. It highlights the need to address the gender inequality that girls experience in areas such as education, healthcare, safety, and economic opportunities. It is also called the Day of Girls and the International Day of the Girl. International Day of the Girl Child was first celebrated on October 11, 2012. Scroll down to know more about International Day of the Girl Child 2024 date, history and the significance of the global event. October 2024 Festivals, Events and Holidays Calendar: Complete List of Important National and International Days and Dates. 

International Day of the Girl Child 2024 Date

International Day of the Girl Child 2024 will be observed on Friday, October 11.

International Day of the Girl Child 2024 Theme

The International Day of the Girl Child 2024 theme is ‘Girls’ vision for the future’. This theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.

International Day of the Girl Child History

The International Day of Girl Child initiative began as a project of Plan International, a non-governmental organisation that operates worldwide. In 1995, at the World Conference on Women in Beijing, countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing the rights of not only women but girls. The Beijing Declaration is the first to specifically call out girls’ rights. On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

International Day of the Girl Child Significance

International Day of Girl Child is an important global awareness day that encourages global efforts to improve access to education, health services, and leadership opportunities for girls. The day raises awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide in areas such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and protection from discrimination, violence against women and forced child marriage. The day calls for collective action from organisations, communities and individuals to create a world where girls are free from discrimination and can thrive, achieving their full potential.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 10, 2024 03:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).