The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has by proclamation declared Friday, October 11, 2024, as “International Day of the Girl Child”.
The day is poised to be observed throughout the Republic as Working Holiday.International Day of the Girl Child was given birth through the Beijing Declaration which is the first to specifically call out girls’ rights.
On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
The Proclamation made the Liberian Leader is in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution No. 66/170 declaring the 11th of October each year to be observed as the International Day of the Girl Child, in recognition of girls’ rights and unique challenges they faced around the world.
This points to the acknowledgement of the importance of empowerment and investment in girls, which are critical for the eradication of poverty and breaking the circle of discrimination and violence.
The event will be celebrated under the global theme: “Girls Vision for a future”, while the Day will be observed under the national theme “Empowering Every Girl in Liberia, for a Better Future”.
The celebration class for all international organizations, UNICEF, Plan Liberia, Ministries, and agencies concerned to join the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in implementing appropriate programs befitting the occasion.
A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the global community continues to make significant progress in improving the livelihood of girls through quality elementary, secondary, and higher education, avoiding child marriage, receiving information and services related to puberty and productive health, as well as admonishing them to be cautious about premature pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and all forms of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV).
The Proclamation also added that the 11th of October each year has been set aside to provide young women and girls the platform to amplify their voices and collectively stand-up for their rights by calling on stakeholders to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights while at the same time, identifying challenges girls face and addressing their needs.
It further indicates that it is in this light that the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with partners and stakeholders will be celebrating this year’s International Day of the Girl.
