“Empowerment of and investment in girls are key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence and in promoting and protecting the full and effective enjoyment of their human rights” -United Nations Resolution 66/170
Today, October 11, is the Day of the Girl, a day that just two years ago was declared by the United Nations as the International Day of the Girl Child to raise awareness about all issues concerning gender inequality around the world. It’s a day when activist groups come together under the same goal to highlight, discuss, and take action to advance rights and opportunities for girls everywhere. Fast forward two years and the Day of the Girl has become a global movement of hope, inspiration and advocacy to better the lives of half our planet who is being left behind.
So why girls?
As girls, we experience inequality in every aspect of our lives. There are a billion reasons why we need the Day of the Girl, but let’s start with just a dozen (all are linked to their source. Just double click on statistic and you can read it in full):
- By 2015, females will make up 64% of the world’s illiterate (adult) population. (PDF)
- Only 30% of girls in the world are enrolled in secondary school. (PDF)
- Girls make up half of the high school population, but receive only 41% of all athletic participation opportunities.
- Women only hold 15.7% of top leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies.
- One in seven girls in developing countries is married off before age 15.
- More than half (54%) of all rapes of females happen before age 18. (PDF)
- 1 in 5 high school girls has been physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
- Children as young as age 11 are forced to work as prostitutes. Some estimates have as many as 1.2 million children being trafficked every year.
- 54% of 3rd-5th grade girls worry about their appearance and 37% worry about their weight.
- 57% of music videos feature a female portrayed exclusively as a decorative, sexual object.
- Females continue to be underrepresented in top roles in film with less than 1 in 3 speaking characters in children’s movies.
There is so much we can all do to ensure girls receive the same opportunity and future as all. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- Join “Day of the Girl” movement
- Read the amazing book, “I am Malala”: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban.
- Watch the newly released movie: “He Named Me Malala” and bring your kids!
- Watch the amazing “Girl Rising” and visit the webpage.
- Read “Half the Sky” (This is the book that inspired me to begin my long self-journey of learning about women and girls rights around the world and writing about it on my blog. It is thoroughly eye-opening!).
- If you have a girl, join the cool United Nations Foundation “Girl Up” movement.
- Talk with your boys and girls about the importance of the movement and what is happening globally to girls.
- Simply read and share this post. Education is critical to gaining knowledge of the issues and getting more people involved.
- Learn and talk about the issues. Nothing will change if we don’t use our voice.
Here are some the unforgettable girls I’ve met throughout my work and travels that have inspired me to never, ever give up.
Finally, here is the girl I hope to take my place someday and continue the fight for women and girls….my own Sophia (age 8).
And of course I can’t forget my son Max (age 10) who will also be instrumental in creating change!
Meanwhile Max is at a week long “bike, swim, paddle and fish camp”. He biked 25 miles yesterday!
Thank you for the reminder. Today would have gone mostly unnoticed for me otherwise. And investment in girls will make the world a better place for sure! I was born in India where there is still discrimination between the sexes. I feel lucky to have parents who never made me feel like I was less so just because I was a girl. I hope to pass on the same values to my kids and hope that they too will continue to make a difference as they grow older.
Thanks so much for reading! I’ve been to India twice and was there right after the young girl was killed on the bus. It was very difficult.
Reblogged this on wwwpalfitness and commented:
Anyone who has not should check out this blog. It is a very worthwhile journey.
Thank you so much! You are incredibly kind for helping share my work!
You are quite welcome 🙂
You do so much it is the least I could do 🙂
THanks! 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
More and more people should advocate for dignity, equality, and empowerment of girls.
Yes indeed! Well said and thanks for commenting!
Great post, Nicole – so wonderful to meet you last month!! 🙂
Thanks Paula! It was great to meet you too! I hope you enjoyed the Social Good Summit! It was my fourth year and I always go back!
I have a lot of catching up to do! Great post Nicole and what a treat to see your beautiful children 🙂
Thanks Andrew! Your trip looked fabulous!
It really was. Trying to catch up now 🙂