This was a day that was put aside to be celebrated in recognition of girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world and raise awareness of the importance of the Girl Child.

BACKGROUND OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

The International Day of the Girl Child was initiated by the United Nations in 2012 and declared 11^th of October to be the Day for the Girl Child. The day is celebrated annually to high spot and addresses the needs and challenges which girls face across the world. The day also focuses on promoting girls’ empowerment, establishing their values and gender equality and fulfilling their human rights.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE?

This year 2022, we commemorate the 10^th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) and in these last 10 years, a lot has been done on issues that concern the Girl Child for example amongst different stakeholders such as the governments, policymakers and the general public. This has created more opportunities for the girls to have their voices heard worldwide. Girls have been empowered through promotion of education, learning of different life skills and economic skills, taking a look at 2021 theme of Digital Generation, Our Generation, a big proportion of girls has been able to join the digital world through use of smart mobile phones when carrying out research for the benefit of their education and this has benefited the society.

 Though a lot has been done, we still have a lot of paperwork pending concerning the girl child. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened existing challenges on girls around the world and worn away important gains that were made over the last decade. Up to 10 million girls are at risk of the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic like early marriage due to a combination of economic stress, school closures and interruptions in reproductive health services. Girls still face remarkable challenges like teenage pregnancies, violence, discrimination, gender inequality, and limited access to education, medical care and so many others. Not forgetting Girls with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities, they face subsidiary barriers to accessing support and health services.

WHAT IS ANTICIPATED TO BE ACHIEVED?

Every year, the theme for the International Day of the Girl Child is changed and this is done to help achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) that are targeted on girls and women not leaving anyone behind for example, achieving gender equality, quality education, reduced inequalities, good health, no huger by year 2030.

NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY 2022: THEME

In addition, even this year has its own unique theme stated “Our time is now- our rights, our future”. The Girl Child is so prepared to speed up the movement towards achieving gender equality and their rights. It’s time for the unstoppable team of stakeholders and policymakers to stand accountable with and for the Girl Child and to infuse in a future that believes in their power, potential and leadership. Let us continue doing the great work and at the end of the tunnel, a remarkable blaze shall be seen by the entire globe!