INTERNATIONAL GIRLS’ DAY

October 11 is the day on which the world is called to support girls and increase awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide. In many countries girls do not have equal access to education. Their nutrition, legal rights and medical care leave much to be desired. Girls are also faced with discrimination and gender based violence as well as forced child marriage.
The initiative for International Girls' Day began as a project of Plan International, a non-governmental organization operating worldwide. The idea for an International Day for Girls arose from Plan International's "Because I Am a Girl" campaign, which raises awareness of the importance of promoting girls globally and especially in developing countries. Plan International urged the United Nations to get involved, and so this day was proclaimed by the United Nations and first observed in 2012.
At the same time the global #GirlsTakeover allows hundreds of girls from many countries to step into the roles of media, entertainment, business and politics for a day to demand equal power, freedom and representation for girls and young women.
For instance in Finland Prime Minister Sanna Marin let a 16-year-old girl fill her seat for a day on October 7, just ahead of the UN Day of the Girl. Aava Murto met politicians throughout the day to highlight women's rights in technology.
"It is a pleasure to be speaking here before you today - although, in a way, I wish that I did not have to stand here, that campaigns like the Girls' Takeover were no longer necessary," Aava Murto said in a speech. "However, the truth is that we have not yet achieved gender equality - not anywhere on earth. Although we have accomplished a great lot of good in this area, there is still much work that needs to be done. "
This year's focus is on promoting digital skills and technological opportunities for girls. But women and girls are being harassed on social media, and so they are sending an open letter to the major social media companies, calling for greater action to be taken against online abuse and harassment.
#FreeToBeOnline.
Watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch
As more of our lives are moved online due to COVID-19, it is important that this space should be safe for girls.
When we look at this area this year, we do not want to forget how important it is that girls all over the world have access to education that provides a stable basis for their future.
Let us not only remember on International Girls' Day the many girls in the world who are denied this, but let us continually work to make the world a better place for girls and young women!
Image Copyright Finnish Government