Girls’ Vision for the Future
International Day of the Girl 2024
Observed annually on 11 October, International Day of the Girl is a key global moment on which to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership. It is a day that belongs to everyone who cares about girls and their rights. For on this day, we come together to recognize and advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.
Why girls’ rights?
Being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go or who you can become. But right now, that is the reality for millions of girls across the world. Too many are being left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny girls their rights, restrict their choices and limit their futures.
The facts
- Today, one in five young women aged between 20 and 24 years were married as children.
- Nearly one in four partnered/married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse.
- Globally, 75% of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls.
- One in three adolescent girls suffer from anaemia, which is a form of malnutrition.
- Almost double the number of adolescent girls (one in four) compared to boys are not in any form of education, employment or training.
Yet it is possible to change this. There are proven solutions for accelerating progress towards a future in which every girl can obtain the quality health care, education and skills she needs to succeed.
Girls’ vision for the future
The theme of this year’s International Day of the Girl is ‘Girls’ vision for the future’.
Our theme reflects findings from UNICEF analysis, which shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of challenges, but hopeful for the future. Every day, they are taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected and empowered.
But girls cannot realize this vision alone. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs.
Evidence shows that with the right support, resources and opportunities, the potential of the world’s more than 1.1 billion girls is limitless. And when girls lead, the impact is immediate and wide reaching: families, communities and economies are all stronger, our future brighter.
Call to action
Urgent action is needed to drive progress with and for girls. Actively investing in girls’ futures is to invest in our own futures. Together, we can build a future in which every girl's rights are protected. For when girls achieve their goals, we all move closer to achieving our Global Goals.