International Day of the Girl Child

International Day of the Girl Child is observed each year on October 11. It’s a day dedicated to recognizing girls’ rights, celebrating their achievements, and raising awareness of the challenges they face globally.

History of International Day of the Girl Child

In December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170, officially declaring October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. This decision built on earlier movements and advocacy, notably the Because I Am a Girl campaign led by Plan International, which sought to elevate global attention to girls’ issues.

The first observance took place on October 11, 2012. Since then, the day has become a yearly focal point for governments, NGOs, youth groups, and communities around the world to rally around girls’ empowerment, rights to education, protection from abuse, and gender equality.

Why International Day of the Girl Child is important

This day matters because girls often face systemic barriers simply because of their gender — from unequal access to education to early marriage, from gender-based violence to restricted agency over their bodies and futures. By naming a day for girls, the global community affirms that their lives and rights are worthy of attention, investment, and protection.

It also encourages action: it insists that commitments on paper become concrete changes lived by girls worldwide. It reminds us that girls are not just passive recipients of aid, but active agents capable of leadership and change when given the opportunity and support.

• it amplifies girls’ voices in settings where they are often marginalized
• it highlights intersectional challenges (poverty, disability, ethnicity) girls face
• it pressures institutions to include girls in policies, budgets, programs
• it inspires local and global initiatives that support girls’ leadership
• it helps shift cultural and social norms that undervalue girls

How to Observe International Day of the Girl Child

You can observe this day in meaningful but manageable ways. Start by learning: read stories, reports, or articles about girls’ lived experiences in different parts of the world. Share what you learn with your friends, family, or social networks — help others see the issues and possibilities. If there’s a local event (a talk, workshop, exhibit) about girls’ rights or gender equality, attend it or support it.

Another way is to amplify girls directly: invite a young girl or adolescent to share her dreams in a forum, support mentorship, volunteer with organizations that serve girls, or advocate to decision-makers for policies that remove barriers for girls in your community. Even small conversations matter, especially when they help reframe attitudes about what girls can do.

• host or join a discussion about girls’ rights in your community or school
• spotlight a girl’s story or achievement on social media
• volunteer with a girls’ empowerment or mentorship program
• write to local leaders or institutions urging gender‑equitable policies
• create or support a small project (scholarship, library, safe space) for girls

International Day of the Girl Child Dates Table