International Day of the Girl

What is it?

The United Nations has declared October 11, 2012 as the world's first International Day of the Girl Child.

Canada has led the international community in adopting this day, along with the support of Plan Canada.  This day will make a difference in the lives of girls and young women as citizens and as powerful voices of change in their families, their communities and their nations.

We invite you to celebrate with us.

Why is it important?

Equal opportunity for girls is good for all of us. 

Girls throughout the world face higher rates of violence, poverty, discrimination. In Canada, girls have higher rates of depression, sexual harassment and dating violence.

There is a growing recognition around the world that support for girls and their basic human rights is key for healthy communities.

Improving girls' lives has a ripple effect.  What is good for them is good for all of us.

This international day will promote equal treatment and opportunities for girls around the world in areas such as law, nutrition, health care, education, training, and freedom from violence and abuse.

What are some of the issues?

In Canada:

• 46% of school girls in Ontario report being the target of unwanted sexual comments or gestures in the last three months;
• Young women aged 15 to 19 experience ten times the rate of dating violence than young men;
• Almost one in ten First Nations and Inuit teenage girls are parents.

Around the world:

• Preferential feeding of boys leads to malnutrition for girls, which has lasting physical and mental effects;
• Each year roughly two million girls between the ages of 5 and 15 are trafficked, sold or coerced into the sex trade.

Leaders today and tomorrow

When girls understand their human rights, they are more likely to exercise them. They are also more likely to become leaders and to join others in raising their voices and calling for change.

What is Canada's role?

Canada has been a leader in promoting this day at the United Nations. 
The International Day of the Girl is an opportunity to raise awareness about the particular challenges that girls face and to take action.

Organizations around the world are engaged in this issue.  To learn more, see Plan Canada's page on International Day of the Girl as well as their Because I am a Girl campaign.