October 11: International Day of the Girl Child

The International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) is observed every year across the world on 11 October to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
Significance of Day: The observance of the day seeks to increase awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender and supports more opportunity for girls. This year it was fifth edition of this day after it was observed for first time in 2012.
2016 Theme: “Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress: What Counts for Girls”. It calls for action for increased investment in collecting and analyzing girl-relevant, girl-focused and sex-disaggregated data.
Background
The International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting Canada backed Resolution in December 2011. The observation of the day supports more opportunity for girls. It also increases awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender. This inequality includes areas such as right to education, nutrition, medical care, legal rights and protection from discrimination, violence and unfree child marriage.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016