October 11th: The Day of the Girl Child

October 11th 2012 has been declared as the International Day of the Girl Child by the United Nations. The day has been dedicated to considering the opportunities and rights of girls, and the inequality they face as a result of their gender. The Day of the Girl was triggered by the campaign 'Because I Am a Girl', which addresses problems of child marriage, the education of girls, and gender-based violence in and around school. 

Learn more about Day of the Girl here

   By focusing on the position of the girl child on a global scale, the United Nations hope to help overcome child poverty, discrimination, sex-trafficking, child prostitution and the distinct lack of healthcare and educational facilities for girls around the world. 
   The idea was proposed by Canada's Minister for the Status of Women, Rona Ambrose, who acknowledged that: '...the empowerment of and investment in girls...are key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence and in promoting and protecting the full and effective enjoyment of their human rights...' The United Nations' intentions, if successful, should raise awareness of these growing issues targeting girls, and improve the quality of female life in countries that regard them as second-class citizens, or lower.