Girls proving to be unstoppable in tackling national issues – First Lady

“We have seen remarkable achievements in the advancement of rights of girls over the last few decades. Girls are proving to be unscripted and unstoppable, organising and mobilising themselves to tackle national issues such as education inequality, gender-based violence and the climate crisis.”

This is according to First Lady Arya Ali in her message to mark the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child, which was celebrated on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
According to the First Lady, as girls from Guyana and the world continue to assert their power as change-makers, shifting the dynamics of gender and power relations, it is important to reflect on their position in today’s society.
Noting that international Day of the Girl Child provides this unique opportunity, especially at a time when girls are being disproportionally affected by a global pandemic, the First Lady said that this year’s theme “My Voice, Our Equal Future”, allows for attention to be drawn to the rights of girls.
Among them, she said, is the right to be free from gender-based violence, harmful practices, and HIV and AIDS; the right to learn new skills towards the futures they choose; and to lead as a generation of activists accelerating social change.
She, however, pointed out that she is cognisant that multiple barriers including systemic discrimination, biases and lack of training, continue to stunt efforts to narrow the gender gap, despite the achievements and efforts made to date.
“This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded many of these issues, disproportionally affecting women and girls in many ways. Essential services such as access to sexual and reproductive health services have been disrupted. Economic hardships due to the pandemic are also greater for women according to the World Bank, since informal workers, most of whom are women, face greater employment risks and uncertainties.”
In addition, the First Lady said that the United Nations has revealed that reports of violence against women have increased in many countries as security, health, and financial worries create tensions and strains. In this regard, she implored that now more than ever, “we must redouble our efforts to ensure our women and girls are protected.”
In fact, she added, “We must continue to support the implementation of targeted policies and programmes geared towards bolstering gender equality and empowerment across all sectors including health, education, ICT, and social services.”
According to the First Lady, with persisting conditions of global economic crisis and uncertainty, there must be a firm resolve to re-commit to the goals of social progress and social justice in shaping a world where girls find their rightful place – on equal terms with boys.
“In so doing, we must also amplify leadership and actions which inspire solutions to positive change. Together, we can do this!” Ali said in conclusion.
In 1995 at the World Conference on Women, in Beijing, countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing the rights of not only women but girls. The Beijing Declaration is the first to specifically call out girls’ rights.
On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
The International Day of the Girl Child focuses on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.