Twenty-five years ago, some 30,000 women and men from nearly 200 countries arrived in Beijing, China, for the Fourth World Conference on Women, determined to recognize women’s rights as human rights. The conference culminated in the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: the most comprehensive policy agenda for gender equality.
In the years following, women pressed this agenda forward, leading global movements on issues ranging from sexual and reproductive health rights to equal pay. Today, these movements have expanded. They are being organized by and for adolescent girls – girls from all walks of life who are boldly demanding action against discrimination, violence, and poor learning opportunities. Every year on 11 October, the International Day of the Girl, UNICEF launches an annual campaign with girls to amplify their voices and stand up for their rights. This year, under the theme, “My voice, our equal future”, girls’ seize the opportunity to reimagine a better world inspired by adolescent girls – energized and recognized, counted, and invested in.
In the UER, the YHFG youth movement celebrated the day with the support of mentors such as the Regional Director for the Department of Children, a broadcast Journalist from the Ghana Broadcasting Cooperation, and a professional teacher who is passionate about girl’s development. They took turns to engage the girls with participatory, exciting, and very inspiring activities. YHFG ED pictured addressing the girls.