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Celebrate International Day of the Girl Child with Sarah Taylor

October 11th, 2012

I recently returned from a trip to Sri Lanka and The Philippines with World Vision and among my most memorable experiences were the moments I spent with the girls I met. It’s no surprise I can relate closely to young women I meet abroad because we have so much in common. I too remember how it felt to first fall in love, fight with my parents and most of all to DREAM. After all, I was a teenage girl too. But what if you were made to believe that your dreams were impossible?

Teenage girls around the world are speaking out together today to ensure their voices are being heard and that their dreams are given a chance. They are uniting to help strengthen an important call to action: the empowerment and equality of girls everywhere.

The Day of the Girl is part of the United Nations Foundation‘s Girl Up campaign, girls and supporters are holding more than 50 events in nine countries to celebrate “International Day of the Girl Child,” recognizing the potential and power of girls, and the importance of advocating for their rights.

There are young girls in many parts of the world who are denied freedom and basic rights. They face more disadvantages than boys of the same age including many forms of violence, exploitation and poverty. Many are married as children and denied education. They aren’t considered equal members of society and have no chance of becoming the leaders they could be.

Today, there are some 600 million adolescent girls in developing nations. By turning our spotlight on them we can help to create a future filled with young women who can be agents for positive change not only in their own lives but also within families, communities, and the world. What they need more than anything is education, skills and the tools to empower themselves. Things most of us take for granted.

So what can you do? Starting the conversation is the first step. The more aware and educated we are the harder it becomes to ignore the obvious realities facing girls everywhere and the more motivated we become to get involved. The best way to positively affect the quality of lives amongst girls internationally, especially the girls in the poorest areas of the world, is to give them back the power to change their own destinies. This means changes in health, community and financial independence. Since real change comes from policymakers a worldwide recognition of the International Day of the Girl Child is a step in the right direction.

Here are some great links to help you join the race:
Plan Canada
Because I Am A Girl
World Vision