International Day of the Girl: What is it all about?
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International Day of the Girl: CARE International's Helen Pankhurst speaks to children about their climate rights
It's the International Day of the Girl - a day to bring attention to girls' rights and the various challenges that they face all around the world.
On December 19, 2011, the UN declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls' rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
For 2023 the theme of International Day of the Girl is 'Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being' and there is an extra focus on the particular impact of climate change on girls.
The aim is to raise awareness of girls' rights around the world and to make sure those rights are being respected and spoken up for - and to make sure they get equal access to the same opportunities as anyone else.
What is International Day of the Girl, and why does it exist?
Happy International Day of the Girl!
Day of the Girl is a day to help educate and bring attention to girls' rights and other types of challenges that girls face around the world.
This year, the campaign is focussing on how the affects of climate change directly impact girls more than boys. In poorer regions, it's the women and girls who are responsible for collecting food, water, and fuel for families. This means when there are periods of drought or extreme rainfall, there is added pressure on girls, who often have to leave school to help their mothers with the workload.
For me, International Day of the Girl is a day to not only recognise all the troubles faced by girls across the world but also to celebrate our importance, strength, and power. It's a day to remember that despite what the world tells us and throws our way, we're powerful beyond measure."
Currently, 130 million girls around the world do not have access to education.
Being unable to get an education, being made to marry while you're still a child, or simply not being given as many chances at things as boys - these are just some of the many difficulties girls can face.
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It's a day about coming together and celebrating the change that girls can make - which is huge! Young girls can make a difference. Gender shouldn't hold anyone back, and we hope that lots of girls all over the world can realise this and achieve everything they want to!"
For example in the UK, everyone has access to schools and an education - it's no different if you're a girl.
But in other countries it can be hard for girls to go to school - their family might not be able to afford it or they might want them to stay at home or get married instead of completing their studies.
It's great to focus on youth female activists around the world. We've seen now more than ever the number of girls standing up for what they're passionate about - be it education, climate action or equal rights.
Malala Yousafzai has taken part in many International Day of the Girl events
International Day of the Girl was set up by the United Nations - or the UN - a worldwide organisation that brings countries together to talk about important world issues.
The UN also called for governments and people in power to do more to tackle unfair treatment that girls can face.
It also aims to ask for female role models in businesses to raise awareness about things that can hold girls back from achieving.
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