On 19 December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.”

“Girls face discrimination and violence every day across the world. The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.” This declaration, made by the United Nations, has already increased awareness of the plight of girls around the world,

The National Council of Women recognises the need for education and empowerment to girls as being the only way that these girls will become women equipped with the necessary skills for their life. Education is not only a human right but it is a need – required in order to achieve economic independence, empowering women to possibly be financially independent. However, education is not readily available to many young girls around the world and organisations must advocate that principles such as free education or an increase in the spending on education be included in international educational policies.

Today, girls are still being subjected to harmful practices such as child marriage, genital mutilation, trafficking, violence, sexual abuse and discrimination causing them physical and psychological health problems. These practices do not allow the girls to gradually develop into women who can be independent and empowered; on the contrary, it leaves them scarred for life and struggling to attain a better life.

This year’s theme,“Innovating for Girls Education”, offers several platforms for education, including technology: bringing technology closer and more possible through innovative equipment for girls where technology did not seem possible. There are over 850 million girls around the world and not all of them are fortunate enough to have the benefits that many take for granted and as a right. Educating girls is a moral duty, as there is overwhelming evidence that it produces societies with a female population that is healthier, empowered and with an income that can break the cycle of poverty.

Since its inception, the National Council of Women has advocated the education of girls for equal rights and empowerment, as an educated woman will enrich any society.

Mary Gaerty

President

National Council of Women