Monrovia, Liberia – By decree, Friday, October 11, 2024, has been designated as the “International Day of the Girl Child,” to be honored as a working holiday across the Republic by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
The Proclamation is in line with the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution No. 66/170, which established October 11 as International Day of the Girl Child annually. This resolution recognizes girls’ rights and the particular challenges they face globally, as well as the significance of investing in and empowering girls, which is essential for ending poverty and breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence.
A statement from the Foreign Ministry said that while the Day will be honored under the national subject of “Empowering Every Girl in Liberia, for a Better Future,” the event will be celebrated under the global theme of “Girls Vision for a Future.” … requests that the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection work with the relevant ministries, agencies, UNICEF, Plan Liberia, and international organizations to undertake activities that are suitable for the occasion.
According to the release, there has been a notable advancement in the quality of life for girls worldwide. These achievements include the provision of high-quality elementary, secondary, and higher education; the prevention of child marriage; the provision of information and services regarding puberty and reproductive health; and the warning against early pregnancy, STDs, and all forms of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV).
According to the Proclamation, October 11th has been designated as a day on which young women and girls can raise their voices and unite to advocate for their rights. This is achieved by encouraging relevant parties to support girls’ empowerment and the realization of their human rights, while also recognizing the obstacles that girls encounter and attending to their needs.
This also suggests that the International Day of the Girl would be observed this year by the Government of Liberia, in partnership with partners and stakeholders, through the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
