The United Nations declared last Thursday, 11 October, as International Day of the Girl and this was welcomed by NCW Malta as it promoted girls’ rights, highlighted gender inequalities and addressed the various forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by girls around the globe.

The UN has signalled its commitment to end gender stereotyping, discrimination, violence and economic disparities that disproportionately affect girls.

In many developing countries, girls marry before the age of 15, resulting in having to drop out of school before they have a chance to receive the education they deserve. In the last half-century alone, more women and girls have died as a result of gender discrimination than all the men who died in all the battles of the 20th century.

NCW Malta believes that women’s empowerment begins with girls’ empowerment. It has always worked to help girls effect the changes necessary to achieve the same rights and the same freedoms and the same opportunities to fulfil their dreams.

Girls around the world need to be visible and given the dignity they deserve, to release all their abilities and potential for the benefit of society.

Mary Gaerty

President, National Council of Women