International Day of the Girl Child focuses on education
October 11, 2013 - The United Nations chief is calling on the world to work together
to invest in education, so that girls can advance in their personal development and
contribute to the progress of the entire human family. “Empowering girls, ensuring
their human rights and addressing the discrimination and violence they face are essential
to progress for the whole human family,” said UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon in
a message for the UN’s International Day of the Girl Child, Oct. 11, Friday. “One
of the best ways to achieve all of these goals is to provide girls with the education
they deserve,” he said, lamenting “too many girls, in too many countries, are held
back simply because of their gender.” Those whose mother was also deprived of an
education, who live in a poor community or who have a disability face an even steeper
climb. “Among girls who do make it to school, many face discrimination and violence,”
he said. Ban launched Global Education First Initiative last September to accelerate
progress in getting every child into school, especially girls. We are aiming to teach
more than reading and counting; we are striving to raise global citizens who can rise
to the complex challenges of the twenty-first century. In order to achieve meaningful
results, Ban noted, “we need fresh solutions to girls’ education challenges and we
must heed the voices of young people.” Hearing from girls around the world participating
in the consultations for the new Girl Declaration, he said he has resolved to ensure
that Global Education First mobilizes all partners to respond to their powerful call
for empowerment. “More broadly, our campaign to reach the Millennium Development
Goals by 2015 and shape a vision beyond that date must address the concerns and potential
of the world’s girls,” Ban added. A UN General Assembly resolution on December 19,
2011, instituted the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, to recognize
girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.