October 11th marks the International Day of the Girl Child, a global celebration of girls' rights and potential. This year's theme is, "Girls' Vision for the Future" highlights the importance of supporting girls in achieving their goals and creating a brighter future for all.
Despite progress, girls worldwide continue to face significant challenges. One of the most alarming statistics is that nearly one in five girls, or 19%, do not complete lower secondary school, according to UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report. Furthermore, four in ten girls, or 38%, do not complete upper secondary school. This disparity is even more pronounced when considering that girls are 1.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys, as reported by UNICEF in 2022.
The Indian government has introduced various schemes to promote girls' education and well-being, including:
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)
National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Scheme
Empowering girls requires breaking down the barriers that hinder their growth and potential. Despite progress, girls worldwide continue to face numerous obstacles that limit their opportunities and choices. To create a more equitable society, it is essential to address these challenges and promote girls' empowerment.
Investing in girls, investing in the future to reduce poverty and inequality, boosting economic growth and productivity, improving health and well-being outcomes, and to foster more equitable and just societies.
Globally, 75 per cent of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls. One in three adolescent girls suffers from anaemia, which is a form of malnutrition. Almost double the number of adolescent girls (one in four) compared to boys is not in any form of education, employment, or training.
Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF Chief
Protection is another critical area of concern. One in five girls, or 20%, are married before the age of 18, according to UNICEF's 2022 report. Moreover, one in three girls, or 35%, experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence, as reported by the World Health Organization in 2022. The International Labor Organization estimates that 4.8 million girls worldwide are affected by human trafficking.
Join the Movement:
This International Day of the Girl Child 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to championing girls' rights and potential.
According to World Health Organization (2022). Adolescent Health report, every individual can make a difference in the life of a girl to:
Volunteer with organizations supporting girls' education and empowerment
Donate to initiatives providing essential resources and services
Advocate for policies promoting girls' rights and opportunities
Mentor or support a girl in your community
Share stories and experiences to raise awareness and inspire action
References:
UNESCO. Global Education Monitoring Report. Accessed October 10, 2024. https://www.unesco.org/gem-report/en.
UNICEF. The State of the World’s Children Report. Accessed October 10, 2024. https://www.unicef.org/reports/state-of-worlds-children.
International Labour Organization (ILO). Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage. Accessed October 10, 2024. https://www.ilo.org/publications/major-publications/global-estimates-modern-slavery-forced-labour-and-forced-marriage.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)
