International Day of the Girl Child

What Is the International Day of the Girl Child?

October 11th is the "International Day of the Girl Child." It is an international day adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19, 2011, and was first observed on October 11, 2012. The day raises awareness of the discrimination, violence, and lack of educational opportunities that girls around the world face, and supports girls' rights and empowerment.

A UN Day That Grew Out of a Single Campaign

The International Day of the Girl Child traces its roots to the "Because I am a Girl" campaign run by the international NGO Plan International. International support grew from there, and it became an official UN day.

• Origin:Plan International's "Because I am a Girl" campaign
• Proposed by:Canada, which formally proposed it to the UN General Assembly
• Adopted:December 19, 2011, by resolution of the UN General Assembly
• First observance:October 11, 2012, with the theme "ending child marriage"

A Global Call with a New Theme Each Year

Each year the day has its own theme: "ending child marriage" in 2012 and "innovating for girls' education" in 2013. Ensuring girls receive a good education not only widens their own life choices but is also expected to boost economic growth. In 2016, actor Emma Watson, then a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, drew attention by calling for an end to child marriage.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Look up this year's theme for the day
• Learn about the state of girls' education around the world
• Explore the work of organizations promoting gender equality
• Reflect on any unconscious assumptions at work or at home

Toward a Society Where Every Girl Can Thrive

When girls can learn safely and choose their own futures, society as a whole grows stronger. October 11th is a day to look at the situation of girls worldwide and think about what each of us can do.