Yesterday marked the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC), a day dedicated to taking stock of the situation of the girl worldwide.
Two years ago, the United Nations declared this day as The International Day of the Girl, as per resolution 66/170 which reads: “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”.
Since then, organisations around the world have initiated projects to address the objectives of this resolution. Each year a different theme is selected for the day. In 2012, it focused on the issue of ending child marriage, and the theme in 2013 was education – Innovating for Girls’ Education. The theme chosen for this year is focusing on violence – Empowering Adolescent Girls: ending the Cycle of Violence. By addressing the essential needs and empowering the girl, she can develop and enjoy a life free from violence.
According to The National Council of Women: “Laws alone are not enough to protect girls from violence. Despite being illegal throughout the world, in several countries the use of violence against girls is not only widespread but is socially acceptable. Daily, girls are raped and sexually harassed, sold to unscrupulous people who use them for sexual exploitation and prostitution, deteriorating their freedom and the right to a life free from violence. Female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, child pregnancy, sexual violence and the exclusion of girls from education are consequences of the violence and oppression institutionalised and maintained by the so-called ‘honour system’. Girls in situations of war or conflict are even more vulnerable.”
The NCW pointed out that in the USA, the UK and other European countries, girls are still at risk of being mutilated through FGM even though it is illegal. “Empowering adolescent girls through education, technical and vocational education can bring about the desired change. Starting with the education of the parents themselves will create a positive effect on the next generation. Each girl that is subjected to such degrading violence is a threat to all women. Moving away from these practices through education and the realisation of the harmful effect it has on the girls is the only solution to end violence. Laws alone are not enough!
“The International Day of the Girl is an opportunity for world leaders, politicians and civil society to discuss the issues that are hindering girls from reaching their full potential and to take action. Empowered girls become empowered women and empowered women are the basis of a stable society. It is unacceptable that, in the 21st century, these atrocities have not been eliminated.”