Today, the world is observing International Girl Child Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the rights, empowerment, and well-being of girls globally.

The theme for this year, "Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being," underscores the importance of nurturing girls' potential and ensuring their well-being as they take on leadership roles in society.

Chairperson of the Child Protection Bureau, Sarah Ahmed, delivered a special message on this occasion, emphasizing the significance of this day.

She highlighted that girls and women hold an equal status in the religion of Islam and applauded the steps taken in Pakistan for the welfare and protection of girls.

“Pakistan has made considerable progress in providing the best facilities and care for girls residing in the Child Protection Bureau,” said Sara adding that these efforts reflect the commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of young girls.

In her message, Sara Ahmed expressed her confidence in the potential of girls and their future contributions to the development of Pakistan.

A brief history

The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated annually on October 11, was established by the United Nations to promote the rights, well-being, and empowerment of girls around the world. Its history is rooted in a global effort to address the unique challenges and discrimination faced by girls and to advocate for their rights. Here's a brief history of the International Day of the Girl Child:

The United Nations resolution:

The journey to establish this day began in 2011 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170, which declared October 11th as the International Day of the Girl Child. The resolution recognized the need to address the specific needs and challenges that girls face and to promote gender equality.

The first celebration (2012):

The first International Day of the Girl Child was celebrated on October 11, 2012. This marked a significant moment as it focused global attention on issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, and barriers to girls' education.

Raising awareness and empowerment:

Each year, the day is celebrated with a specific theme. Themes like "Empower Girls: Before, during, and after crises" and "The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030" have been chosen to address critical issues and promote girls' rights.