International Day of the Girl Child is an annual international awareness day celebrated on October 11. This day was established to highlight the rights of girls, ensure their equal access to education, health, safety, and decision-making processes, and support gender equality. International Day of the Girl Child emphasizes that girls are not only individuals in need of protection, but also have the potential to play an active role in social change and development processes.

Purpose

The main purpose of the International Day of the Girl Child is to protect and empower girls, achieve gender equality, and increase girls' participation in decision-making processes. It also aims to raise global awareness, support girls' leadership roles, and promote equal access to education, health, safety, and economic opportunities.

History

International Day of the Girl Child was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19, 2011, and has been celebrated by member states since 2012. The resolution, proposed by Turkey, Canada, and Peru, emphasizes the importance of empowering girls and investing in them within the framework of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The resolution highlights the protection of girls from discrimination and violence, their full and equal enjoyment of human rights, and the role of families and communities in this process.

In the thirty years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, progress has been made, including a decline in adolescent motherhood and child marriage rates and increased access to education and health services. However, millions of girls around the world still lack access to education and health services and face risks such as violence.^【1】 

^{International Day of the Girl Child (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Girls' Leadership and Participation

International Day of the Girl Child also aims to highlight girls' leadership and social participation roles. The fundamental goal is for girls to transform their communities in various regions of the world and take the lead on issues such as the environment, peace, and social justice. UN Women and UNICEF collaborate with initiatives led by girls to ensure their voices are heard, their leadership is recognized, and their rights are protected.

Practices in Turkey

Turkey is one of the pioneering countries in the process of adopting International Day of the Girl Child. The Ministry of Family and Social Services carries out projects aimed at empowering girls in education, rights, and social life. The Edirne Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services also continues its work to protect girls from discrimination and abuse and to ensure they enjoy all rights equally.