Hyderabad: On Dec. 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a historic declaration, Resolution 66/170 designating October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child with an aim to acknowledge the rights of girls and shed light on the distinct obstacles they confront on a global scale.
History- The roots of the International Day of the Girl Child can be traced back to the Beijing Declaration in 1995 adopted in the World Conference on Women in Beijing. Originally conceived as part of a non-governmental international organisation's plan, this campaign was tailored to uplift girls, especially in developing nations, to advocate for their rights and lift them out of poverty.
Theme- The theme for this year's International Day of the Girl Child is "Digital generation. Our generation." This theme provides a platform for the global community to comprehend the disadvantages girls face online. This year marks the 11th observance of the day, focusing on raising awareness about the discrimination and violence experienced by girls and advocating for their rights.
Challenges faced by Girls- The challenges faced by girls remain numerous and concerning. Surviving after birth is the initial hurdle, often forcing them to fight for their lives due to selective abortion. Child marriages, limited educational opportunities, sexual violence, harassment, and inadequate healthcare continue to persist. These hurdles remain a grim reality for millions of girls worldwide. Empowering girls is critical, for they grow up to be empowered women, working to eliminate deeply ingrained gender-based issues.