The United Nations General Assembly declared the first ever International Day of the Girl to be celebrated on October 11, 2012. The campaign that led to recognizing a girls’ rights day was lead by Canadian girls who inspired others to mobilize support internationally to raise awareness about the particular challenges that girls face both at home and globally. According to the U.N. this day will “help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.”
In 1992, Lawrence Summers, then Chief Economist of the World Bank, said, “Educating girls yields a higher rate of return than any other investment in the developing world. “ Twenty years later, the education of girls and women continues to be the leading contributor to changes occurring personally, occupationally, socially, and nationally.
I strongly believe that a young girl provided with a genuine sense of self will grow into a young woman who has all that matters: a vibrant personal, professional, intellectual and spiritual life. The world contains many examples of exceptional women leading the way in politics, business and community. The talent and ability to achieve is out there. What is needed is knowledge to release it and the voice of encouragement saying you can do it. As leaders one of our commitments needs to be the development of new leaders.
Together with many others, I stand with The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Canada as she encourages Canadians to “help girls reach their full potential, realize their dreams, and participate fully in the economic, social and democratic life of our country.”
Girls are vital to our future. Raise your hands for girls. Enable them to remain in school. Doing so you shape the future.
How have you gotten involved in the inaugural International Day of the Girl?
