COMMEMORATING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD
Today marks the International Day of the Girl Child which recognises the rights of girls and the challenges they face around the world. Declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19, 2011, this is the 10th anniversary which is being celebrated under the theme “Our time is now – our rights, our future.”
Girls have the right to safety, education, good health, and opportunity from when they are born and as they transition into adolescents and women. With their enormous potential, they have the ability to revolutionise the world if given the chance, as seen by the numerous obstacles they’ve shattered to make their voices heard and achieve their goals.
Diverse stakeholders are critical in attaining this goal, and the media is one of them in raising awareness and sensitising people to the need of respecting and defending the rights of girls. This is accomplished through media coverage of stories about the girl child and her needs, the creation of forums and the organisation of events that uplift, inspire, and motivate the girl child, as well as collaboration with other organisations that support women’s rights to ensure effective communication of their agendas to the girl child and the ease of access to their help and services when needed.
Through digital communication platforms, the media has also created an open space for girls and women to express their needs and concerns. These platforms inspire them to speak up and have access to knowledge that is freely available through blogs, articles, vlogs, podcasts, and other digital places, where they may be educated and empowered to do more.
By empowering the girl child’s voice through the media, they may utilise these platforms to create projects and achieve their set goals, enhancing their experience and creating greater victories for them that can be published and disseminated by the media to celebrate and encourage other girls.
As we aim to establish a world with gender equality and empowered women, we must eliminate all forms of bigotry, harassment, caricature, and exclusion directed at young girls and women in order to create a safer environment and opportunities for the girl child. Girls are the pride and future of a nation, empowering them means empowering your future.
By Audrey Kisuya- Intern, AMWIK
Edited by Zahrah Mohammed
