2022 marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl Child. October 11th is a day dedicated to celebrating girls all over the world. This campaign is committed to elevating the voices of girls and reflecting on the daily challenges they face.
The Working Group on Girls (a collaborative body of NGOs of which IBVM-CJ NGO is a member) organised the Girl SpeakOut event in partnership with the United Nations Missions of Canada, Türkiye and Peru, and UN Women. The theme, “IDG +10: Mind the Gap Girls Rights Now!” celebrated Girls’ activism and their achievements while also reminding us that gaps remain.
Many women and girls from our network and schools have played an integral part in making the 11-day countdown to the international day of the girl (also known as the 11 days of Action campaign) and the day itself a success. Across the world, girls are making an impact, and we are delighted to have participated in the hybrid Girls Speak out event at the UN Headquarters.
Students from IBVM and CJ schools submitted their artwork, poetry, videos, music, and so much more to be featured in the campaign. A wide variety of the content generated by our girls was shared for the world to see. You can watch the IDG Speak Out compilation video HERE.
In the aftermath of the Covid-19 Pandemic this year, we got an opportunity to reflect on our involvement with the campaign, and seeing our girls in action has been a reminder that the voices of women and girls matter. Across the world, girls are making an impact and creating positive change far beyond their communities. Girls are paving the way for a brighter future and proving that you are never too young to make a difference.
Author: Zindzi Malanca
Here are the submissions made by our Mary Ward young women:
