11 OCTOBER – International day of the Girl Child
Their life and dignity are worth
In 2011 the United Nations decided to establish this day in order to focus attention on the rights of children and the need to promote their emancipation.
Girls have potential: adequately supported during adolescence, it is possible for them to become women, workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, independent political leaders. This is a real investment in the future; half the world can thus be an equal partner in dealing with climate change issues, political conflicts, economic growth, disease prevention and global sustainability.
"Our first response to the girl is to accept and cherish her, and to affirm her invaluable value as a human person. NDCBP develops, with the participation of the girls and their families, social service programs to develop the girls' autonomy, support their resilience, inform about their rights, promote safety and protection both at home and in social institutions such as schools. We support universal education for all children, knowing that it is the most effective way for them to realize their potential is also the safest way to escape endemic poverty. We develop programs to grow in self-esteem, pride in culture, play and expression of each girl's greatest potential. We support social benefits for parents and support all forms of extended family caring for children. "
(From the Positions of the Congregation)
Unheard. Ignored. Marginalized. Neglected. Abused.
Even today, across the world, the voices of millions of #girls remain silent because of discrimination, violence, exploitation, poor learning opportunities.
25 years have passed since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action: many steps forward have been made since then, but much remains to be done, so that all girls can enjoy their full human rights, live free from violence and choose their own futures.
To contribute to the global discuss #DayoftheGirl GSIF Asia Pacific has hosted today a live forum and a panel conversation “My voice = our future”, with the participation of 19 countries in the region, from Pakistan to South Korea.
The protagonists were the diverse voices of girls from Asia Pacific who shared on their experiences and on the challenges they face in their schools, communities and countries, demanding for empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights.
Because a world where the girls’ voices are silenced has no future. It’s time to us to listen to girls’ voices and uphold their rights for an equal future for all.
