International Girls Day

International Girls Day, observed annually on November 14, is a day to celebrate girls of all ages and to encourage them to pursue their ambitions and develop their potential.

History of International Girls Day

This observance was initiated by the U.S. collegiate sorority Kappa Delta in 2009 in the United States with the aim of celebrating girls, building their confidence, and inspiring them to believe they “can do anything.” ¹
While not an official United Nations observance, International Girls Day has spread beyond campuses to schools, communities, and groups that focus on girls’ empowerment.

Why is International Girls Day important?

The day reminds us that girls are often underrepresented or undervalued in many fields—education, leadership, science, sports, business—and that giving them support, opportunities, and encouragement leads to healthier, more equitable societies.
It also emphasizes the importance of belief in one’s own potential: if a girl is told, “You can,” and is given tools and encouragement, the possibilities expand dramatically.

• It lifts girls’ achievements and potential.
• It spotlights the importance of confidence-building in girls.
• It encourages mentors, educators, and families to support girls in new directions.
• It underlines that investing in girls is investing in the future of communities.
• It helps challenge stereotypes about what girls “should” or “shouldn’t” do.

How to Celebrate International Girls Day

You can observe this day with both practical actions and emotional encouragement. On one hand, organize an event or discussion with girls—invite women leaders, explore fields such as STEM, creative arts, entrepreneurship, or community service. On the emotional side, affirm girls’ ambitions, give them space to speak, experiment, and fail without fear.
You might also support a girl-focused organization or share stories of girls doing remarkable things.

• Encourage a girl in your life to set a new goal and take her first step toward it.
• Host or attend a workshop inspiring girls in a field they haven’t tried.
• Share on social media a story of a girl’s achievement or ambition.
• Volunteer with or donate to a local organization that supports girls.
• Invite conversations about how to remove barriers and build confidence for girls.

International Girls Day Dates Table

1. https://kappadelta.org/blog-post/celebrate-international-girls-day/[↩]