The Day of the Girl is about highlighting, celebrating, discussing, and advancing girls lives and opportunities across the globe.
This campaign was led in the United States by School Girls Unite, an organisation of students and young women leaders determined to advance the UN Millennium Development Goals related to gender equality and universal basic education, and other human rights issues.
Their mission is “To help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.”
(This information is from http://dayofthegirl.org.)
Sadly in many countries just being born a girl means being subjected to discrimination and abuse. She is at greater risk of malnutrition, hunger and disease compared to her brothers. She will also have fewer opportunities for an education and career.
Did you know....
- In many developing countries one out of seven girls marries before the age of 15.
- Pregnancy and childbirth are a significant cause of death for girls and young women aged 15 to 19 worldwide.
- As many as 150 million girls and young women under 18 have experienced forced sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual violence involving physical contact.
- In Australia, girls are more likely to be the subject of substantiated sexual abuse than boys.
One of the main challenges facing girls is access to quality education. There are apparently 75 million girls out of school globally.
Did you know.....
- Each additional year of school for a girl has the potential to raise her income later in life by 15 per cent.
- When mothers can read, their child is 50 per cent more likely to survive past age five.
- HIV/AIDS rates are halved among women who complete primary education.
- Educated girls are better able to contribute to social, economic and political decision making.
- Raise your hand and help improve the lives of four million girls. Visit www.becauseiamagirl.com.au to find out more about the Because I am a Girl campaign.
- Visit the Because I am a Girl Facebook page
- Follow International Day of the Girl Child via twitter using the hashtag #dayofthegirl
Are you going to get involved?
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