Since 2012, October 11th has been marked as the International Day of the Girl. This day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
The theme for this year is “My voice, our equal future”. Girls worldwide are demanding a life free from gender-based violence, access to health, skills, recognition and investment as leaders of social change.
Several organizations throughout the world are working to empower adolescent girls to enact a better and more equal world.
One of these organizations is Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO). SHOFCO is a grassroots movement that catalyzes large-scale transformation in urban slums by providing critical services for all, community advocacy platforms, and education and leadership development for women and girls. Join SHOFCO to celebrate International Day of the Girl.
Another organization is Girl Effect, an international non-profit working to support adolescent girls in low and middle-income countries through a stage in life that defines their future. Girl Effect does this by creating safe spaces for girls to find information and advice online and in their communities. Girls communicate and interact with other girls through encrypted mobile technology. They are able to share their personal stories while safeguarding their individual privacy. Creativity empowers the work of Girl Effect. Digital media and innovative technologies implement their programs.
Find out more about Girl Effect’s “Hear Her Voice” project, and hear the voices and stories of the girls around the world being empowered by the work of Girl Effect.
On this day and every day going forward let’s stand with the girls of the world so that every girl can reach her full potential.