International Day of the Girl Child

International Day of the Girl History

International Day of the Girl is aimed at promoting girls' rights, raising awareness about the challenges they face globally, and recognizing their potential to contribute positively to society. This day acknowledges the importance of gender equality and empowerment, focusing on issues such as education, health, gender-based violence, child marriage, and discrimination. The aim of this observance is to support girls worldwide and pave the way to a brighter future for all, regardless of gender.

This global event was established by the United Nations in 2011, and since then, it has been observed annually on the 11th of October. New Zealand, as an advocate of human rights and gender equality, has actively taken part in acknowledging and celebrating International Day of the Girl. This day holds special relevance for Kiwis, as New Zealand was the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in 1893. It marks an opportunity for the nation to reflect on its ongoing commitment to gender equality and the progress made in empowering girls and women.

In New Zealand, various events and activities are organized on International Day of the Girl, often led by community organizations, schools, and non-profit groups. These initiatives can include workshops, seminars, conferences, and campaigns, focused on empowering girls and addressing challenges they face. Through participation and engagement, New Zealand reinforces its dedication to ensuring that girls grow up in a world where they have equal rights and opportunities, and can reach their full potential. International Day of the Girl is observed annually on October 11th.

Facts about International Day of the Girl Child

• The theme for International Day of the Girl in 2025 was For ALL Women and Girls. In 2024 the theme was Girls'vision for the future. In 2023 was Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.
• It is estimated that over 100 million women around the world are missing. Female infanticide and selective abortion are still commonly practiced in Asia and have led to uneven ratios of men and women all over Asia.
• There are some 650 million women alive today who were child brides.
• New Zealand is one of the countries where girls in single-sex schools are considered to have more chances of becoming engineers, doctors, or lawyers, thus acknowledging the importance of empowering girls with education.
• Girls from low socio-economic backgrounds in New Zealand suffer from a lack of equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and future employment.

In the News and Trending in NZ for International Day of the Girl Child

Top things to do in NZ for this observance

• Get active for girls on social media. Use one of UNICEF's recommended social networking hashtags: #dayofthegirl, #mylifeat15, #girl4president and #girlhero!.
• Take out a girl in your life (your daughter, niece, granddaughter, family friend). Take her out to do her favorite activity on her special day.
• Participate in local awareness campaigns to advocate for girls' rights, including educational opportunities, protection from violence, and equal access to healthcare.
• Attend workshops or seminars discussing girls' empowerment, gender equality, and the challenges girls face worldwide.