Women and girls can lead us to a fairer future...let us amplify girls’ voices, and recommit to working together to build a world where every girl can lead and thrive. - UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Today, on the International Day of the Girl Child, we come together to shine a spotlight on the unique challenges faced by girls across the globe and to reiterate our commitment to their rights and well-being. This day serves as a poignant reminder that our work is far from over; in fact, it's more essential than ever.
International observance days and weeks serve as vital instruments within our global community. They fulfil multiple roles, serving as educational platforms to raise public awareness about critical issues, mobilising political support and resources to combat global challenges, and commemorating the collective achievements of humanity. The United Nations has fully embraced these occasions, recognising their potency as tools for advocating on behalf of pressing concerns.
In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared the 11th of October as the International Day of the Girl Child. This momentous decision resonates as a profound acknowledgment of the distinctive hardships faced by girls worldwide and emphasises our collective duty to empower and safeguard their rights.
The theme for this year, "Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being," strongly resonates as we confront a world where attempts to limit girls' and women's rights continue. We observe the significant consequences, especially affecting girls, in various aspects. As responsible global citizens, we must go beyond mere commitments and instead make bold investments to drive real change.
Girls are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the champions of today. Already, many girls are driving change in their communities. I know that I, together with many others, envision a world where girls have a say in shaping policies, norms, and priorities, which directly affect their lives.
Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, both during their formative years and as they mature into women. By supporting them effectively during these critical years, we empower them to change the world. An investment in the potential of adolescent girls is an investment in a more equitable and prosperous future.
Girls are breaking through stereotypes and exclusions, challenging limitations that have been imposed on children with disabilities and those living in marginalised communities. As entrepreneurs, innovators, and initiators of global movements, girls are actively creating a world relevant for them and future generations, which is quite exciting.
Gender equality is not just a fundamental human right; it is also essential for achieving peaceful societies, full human potential, and sustainable development. Empowering women has been shown to increase productivity and economic growth. Women and girls represent half of the world's population and, therefore, half of its potential.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, we celebrate the strides we have made while acknowledging the challenges that still exist. While progress has been made in many areas, we must also confront the troubling realities that persist in various parts of the world.
Forced child marriages, unequal salaries for the same job levels held by different genders, a lack of women in senior positions in the workplace, girls missing school due to caregiving responsibilities and not having access to feminine hygiene products, female genital mutilation (FGM), and human trafficking predominantly affecting women and girls are stark reminders that there's more work to be done.
On a more personal note for me is the issue of endometriosis, an excruciating and persistent condition, which touches the lives of countless women globally. The heart-wrenching truth is that there is no cure for this condition, and the journey to find effective treatment can span years. What compounds the problem is the lack of awareness and education about endometriosis among women, girls, and even some medical practitioners. Something else that doesn't seem to help is the gender health gap, which suggests that your gender has a bearing on your experience with doctors and the healthcare you receive. This often leads to medical gaslighting, where women's pain and concerns are dismissed, delayed diagnoses, all exacerbating the emotional and physical toll this condition takes.
Additionally, the financial burden of managing endometriosis can be overwhelming. Many insurance companies do not provide adequate coverage for the necessary medications, tests, and appointments, adding an extra layer of stress for women who are already dealing with a debilitating condition.
Looking beyond endometriosis, there's another pressing issue that demands attention: the lack of policies providing free access to sanitary towels and feminine hygiene products. This gap disproportionately affects women and girls in rural areas and marginalised communities. It's disheartening that girls still miss school because they cannot access the basic necessities to manage their periods, something entirely natural and beyond their control. Addressing these challenges is a top priority for me.
The statistics on period poverty and the lack of access to feminine hygiene products are staggering. According to an article on BBC.com, anti-poverty NGO The Borgen Project estimates that seven million South African girls cannot afford to buy sanitary products. Globally, the World Bank reports that at least 500 million women and girls lack access to the facilities they need during their periods. UN Women estimates that 1.25 billion women and girls worldwide have no safe, private toilets.
These numbers are not just statistics; they represent millions of women and girls who are affected by these challenges. Period poverty is not a women's issue; it's a societal issue. Until we recognise this and act accordingly, we will struggle to make substantial progress on these matters.
However, let us not forget the successes: more girls gaining access to education, greater representation in traditionally male-dominated fields, and a rising tide of voices demanding change.
As one, insignificant individual in this vast movement, I am determined to be intentional in supporting and uplifting the girl child in my community. Over the next 12 months, I'd like to see, lead in and commit to doing the best that I can around my community in the following areas.
Equal Education for Girls: Education is the cornerstone of a brighter future, and it's my priority to ensure that girls have equal access to it. In the coming year, I'll be actively involved in initiatives that promote and support girls' education. This includes advocating for policies that eliminate gender disparities in education, working with local schools and communities to provide girls with resources and opportunities, and raising awareness about the importance of girls attending school rather than shouldering adult responsibilities.
Feminine Hygiene Education: Girls deserve comprehensive knowledge about their physical and mental well-being. Over the next 12 months, as a GynaGuard brand ambassador and feminine hygiene enthusiast, I'll be involved in educational programmes and campaigns focused on feminine hygiene. These initiatives will cover topics such as menstrual health, emotional well-being, endometriosis, women's health and self-care. By equipping girls with this essential knowledge, we empower them to take charge of their health and lives.
Access to Hygiene Products: It's unacceptable that some girls miss school due to a lack of access to basic feminine hygiene products. To address this issue, I'm committed to ensuring that as many girls as possible have access to the right feminine hygiene products. This involves collaborating with organisations, businesses, and individuals to provide these products to girls in need. No girl should face barriers to education because of something as fundamental as proper hygiene.
Mentorship Programs: Mentorship plays a crucial role in helping girls build the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. In the next year, I'll be actively engaged in creating and supporting mentorship programs for girls in my community. These programmes will connect girls with experienced individuals who can offer guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights. By fostering mentorship, we empower girls to reach their full potential and become leaders in their own right.
Safe Spaces: Every girl deserves a safe and nurturing environment where she can express herself, share her experiences, and grow into a confident and capable leader. I'm dedicated to establishing safe spaces for girls in my community. These spaces will serve as platforms for girls to engage in open discussions, share their stories, and receive support from one another. By creating such safe environments, we empower girls to be their authentic selves and develop into the leaders of tomorrow.
As I share my commitment, I encourage you to think about what you can do to make a positive change in the lives of girl children in your space, community, or country. Let's ensure that every girl is Free to Just Be all that she can be and more.
The International Day of the Girl Child is a powerful reminder that girls hold the potential to transform the world. Together, let's work to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where every girl child has the opportunities and support to achieve her dreams.
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