October 11: International Day of the Girl Child

World Conference on Women

The 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing marked a turning point for global gender equality. At this historic gathering, delegates unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which remains the most comprehensive framework for advancing the rights of women and girls. Notably, it was the first international document to specifically recognize the unique rights and challenges faced by girls.

Building on this foundation, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 on December 19, 2011, officially designating October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. This observance shines a spotlight on girls’ rights and the distinct challenges they face worldwide.

Purpose of the International Day of the Girl Child

The International Day of the Girl Child aims to address the challenges girls encounter and to promote their empowerment and fulfillment of human rights. Every adolescent girl deserves to live a safe, informed, and healthy life—not only in childhood but as she transitions into adulthood.

When girls are supported during adolescence, they become powerful agents of change. Empowered girls today will be the leaders, innovators, mothers, and decision-makers of tomorrow. Investing in adolescent girls upholds their rights now and lays the foundation for a more just and prosperous future—one in which half of humanity is an equal partner in tackling global issues such as climate change, conflict, economic development, disease prevention, and sustainability.

Today’s girls are breaking barriers imposed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those affecting girls with disabilities and those from marginalized communities. As entrepreneurs, innovators, and activists, they are shaping a world that reflects their needs and aspirations, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by world leaders in 2015, provide a roadmap for global progress. This agenda is rooted in the principle of leaving no one behind—including adolescent girls everywhere.

Gender Equality and Girls’ Empowerment

Achieving gender equality and empowering girls is fundamental to realizing all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Only by ensuring the rights of women and girls can societies achieve justice, inclusion, economic growth, and environmental sustainability for current and future generations.

Despite progress, many adolescent girls still face significant obstacles. The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened these inequalities, widening gaps in education, health, and economic opportunity. This year’s theme, “My Voice, Our Equal Future,” calls on us to amplify the voices of adolescent girls and celebrate the diverse solutions they are creating—solutions that are inspiring change around the world.

Generation Equality

In 2020, the world marked 25 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. That same year, the Generation Equality campaign was launched as a multi-year, multi-partner initiative to accelerate bold action for gender equality.

This campaign centers the experiences and aspirations of adolescent girls, ensuring their voices are at the heart of the global movement for equality. Generation Equality highlights the importance of recognizing girls’ unique needs and supporting their potential as transformative agents of change.

Visual Tribute: Celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child

Below is a collection of images honoring the International Day of the Girl Child, showcasing the diversity, strength, and resilience of girls around the world.