Tomorrow is today aged 10, and it’s a girl. Change her life, change the world.
The United Nations designated 11 October the "International Day of the Girl Child" to promote the rights of girls and address the unique challenges they face.
This year's theme is “Innovating for girls’ education”. UNFPA is innovating for girls and committed to girls' education as part of a comprehensive approach that includes health, economic and political empowerment, and protection from violence. New school curricula, including for age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education, are helping transform gender norms and enabling girls to fulfil their human rights, including their basic rights to education and health.
The benefits of girls’ education, especially secondary education, are far-reaching and include delayed marriage and childbirth, fewer maternal and infant deaths, lower fertility rates, lower risk of HIV infection, and increased economic and political participation.
Girls Speak Out: Showcasing Girl Activists from around the World
A special event at United Nations HQ in New York will feature girl activists in discussion with UN and government representatives. Follow the live broadcast at 3.00 pm New York time (7.00 pm GMT):
Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin
Join the conversation:
- Twitter: @unfpa #dayofthegirl
- Facebook: facebook.com/UNFPA
- Instagram: @unfpa
