On October 11, International Day of the Girl (IDG), over two hundred girls boldly took over the UN ECOSOC Chamber to celebrate, lead, and advocate for girls’ rights on a global scale during the IDG Summit Girls Speak Out – Girl Action Conference & Townhall. This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” resonates profoundly as we approach the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025. This landmark document was the first international framework to identify the inequalities faced by girls and to chart a course toward the full realization of their rights. At this year’s IDG, we not only honored the achievements made over the past three decades but also illuminated the unfinished work that demands our urgent attention.
The event commenced with an electrifying Step Performance by a group of young students from Brooklyn, infusing the chamber with energy and spirit. This captivating art form—rooted in African traditions and infused with popular culture—combined powerful movements and rhythmic vocalizations, creating a vibrant atmosphere that signaled the significance of the day ahead.
Among the inspiring voices was Ruby, a Mary Ward Youth Advocate from Nepal, who served as a virtual moderator. A student at St. Mary’s School, Ruby was chosen as a virtual Girl Advocate with the Working Group on Girls (WGG). Collaborating with fellow advocates Elena, Beatriz, Allison, and Kidist, along with activists Aarohi and Jordan, she played a pivotal role in crafting the program and script for the Speak Out. Though Ruby could not deliver her opening message live, her impactful video was shown to an audience of Member State Representatives, UN agency leaders, and girl advocates. Ruby’s passion and determination to engage policymakers shone through as she challenged them to take concrete steps toward making girls’ rights a reality.
The Girl Advocates powerfully shared their stories and advocacy efforts, shining a light on the urgent need for change in their communities. They presented their recommendations to leaders, articulating the critical needs of girls today to secure their rights and futures.
Member States and UN agencies faced pressing questions:
– How can we actively encourage and include girls in all their diversity to participate in education, economic opportunities, and civic engagement?
– What tangible measures can be implemented to ensure the safety and wellbeing of girls in both online and offline spaces?
– How can mental health education and support for girls be elevated to a global priority by governments?
Although none of the Mary Ward Girl Advocates were present in person at the UN ECOSOC Chamber, their impact was felt far and wide. Five students from Loreto Convent School in Kenya participated in the IDG event hosted by UN Women that was held in the UN office in Nairobi. And many of our schools hosted local IDG Speak Out events, guided by the Girls Speak Out 2024 Playbook, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
Leading up to the Day of the Girl, the “11 Days of Action” campaign launched on October 1, amplifying the voices of girl activists and tackling critical issues surrounding girls’ rights, particularly those highlighted in the Beijing Platform for Action that remain unfulfilled. Students submitted a diverse array of creative works—videos, artwork, essays, and poems—that were showcased across social media, enriching the campaign’s impact.
This year’s IDG was more than a celebration; it was a resounding call to action. It united girls across the globe in their pursuit of equality, safety, and empowerment, driving home the message that the time for change is now. Together, we stand on the cusp of a transformative future, fueled by the unwavering voices and visions of girls everywhere.
You can watch the recording of the IDG Girls Speak Out on UN WebTV, click HERE.
