Just two years ago the United Nations declared October 11th as the International Day of the Girl Child (IDG) to raise awareness about the issues girls face around the world. It is a day when activists, organizations, and girls themselves come together to take action to advance rights and opportunities for girls everywhere.
This year’s theme is Empowering Adolescent Girls: Ending the Cycle of Violence. Many organizations have planned events to celebrate IDG 2014 which we have listed below.
Because I am a Girl Campaign: Panel Discussion
Co-sponsors: Plan International and NoVo Foundation
Date and time: October 7, 2014, 8:00AM to 10:00AM
Venue: Harvard Club of New York City, 35 West 44th Street, New York
This thought leadership panel coincides with Plan’s release of its State of the World’s Girls 2014 Report on Pathways to Power: Creating Sustainable Change for Adolescent Girls and will feature an interactive discussion on creating a pathway for empowerment of adolescent girls. Attendance at this event is by invitation only, with online registration requested to ensure adequate space.
Child, Early, and Forced Marriage and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Co-sponsors: International Women’s Health Coalition and the Permanent Mission of Zambia
Date and time: Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 11:30AM to 1:00PM
Venue: United Nations (Room TBC), New York, NY
Join the Internationl Women’s Health Coalition and the Permanent Mission of Zambia for a panel discussion in celebration of the 3rd annual International Day of the Girl Child. Panelists include Françoise Girard, President of the International Women’s Health Coalition, Felogene Anumo of FEMNET, Zoneziwoh Fem, feminist blogger and youth activist, and Emmanuel Etim, Observatory for Policy Practice and Youth Studies. Contact Sacha at coordinatorcag@gmail.com for more information.
I AM A GIRL New York City Film Premiere
Date and time: Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 7:30PM
Venue: E-Walk Stadium 13 & Rpx, 247 W. 42nd St. New York, NY
I AM A GIRL is an feature length documentary that paints a clear picture of the reality of what it means to be a girl in the 21st century. Girls make up almost a quarter of the world’s population yet still face the greatest discrimination of any group in the world. Technology and science offer unimaginable potential but we still struggle to ensure men and women are afforded equal opportunities. Yet in spite of these obstacles, girls have found extraordinary ways to persevere and in our documentary we hear their stories of strength, hope, courage and a refusal to be second best. Learn more about the film and reserve your tickets for the premiere here.
Empowering Adolescent Girls: Ending the Cycle of Violence
Co-sponsors: UNICEF, UN Women, UNFPA, and Plan International
Organized by: UNICEF
Date and time: October 10, 2014, 11:00PM to 12:30PM
Venue: Labouisse Hall, UNICEF House, 3 UN Plaza, New York (on 44th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues)
This event will feature a moderated discussion among a panel of four to five high-level representatives from the UN, civil society and the private sector on issues related to empowering adolescent girls and ensuring that they are protected from violence and harm and are able to act in their own interest. Youth representatives will also share their stories of empowerment and of overcoming and addressing violence during the session. The event is free and open to the public.
Showcase
Date and time: October 10, 2014, 12:30PM to 2:30PM
Venue: Danny Kaye Visitors Centre, UNICEF House, 3 UN Plaza, New York (on 44th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues)
A dynamic showcase of good practice and girls’ voices from UNICEF and partner organizations will immediately follow the discussion forum. The showcase will feature videos, artwork, photographs, reports and other resources related to addressing violence against adolescent girls and promoting their empowerment. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public
Girls Speak Out 2014
Co-organizers: Working Group on Girls, Missions of Canada, Turkey and Peru
Date and time: Friday, October 10, 2014, 3:00PM to 5:00PM
Venue: ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York
The second annual Girls Speak Out event at the United Nations will feature stories, artwork, music and dance from girls around the world. It will celebrate International Day of the Girl Child 2014 and highlight critical issues of concern for girls. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register here.
Girls Write Now Celebrates International Day of the Girl
Organizer: Girls Write Now
Date and time: Friday, October 10, 2014 from 6:00PM to 8:30PM
Venue: Tishman Speyer, 375 Hudston Street New York, NY 10014
Girls Write Now is celebrating International Day of the Girl with a conversation championing the stories of women and girls. That afternoon at a private United Nations event, their girls will share their stories of what it means to grow up as a girl around the world and release their music video “Ode to Malala” on a global stage. Afterwards, we invite you to join us at Tishman Speyer (375 Hudson) for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a roundtable discussion on the importance of a girl’s right to find — and own — her voice. Register here.
Breaking Silence: A Town Hall Hearing on Girls of Color for International Day of the Girl Child
Organizers: Girls for Gender Equity and African American Policy Forum
Date and time: Saturday, October 11, 2014 from 12:00PM to 4:00PM
Venue: Columbia Law School 435 W. 116th Street New York, NY 10025
Join Girls for Gender Equity and the African American Policy Forum to uplift the voices of young girls of color and those who are gender non-conforming or transgender. The discussion will examine why the effect of racial and gender inequality on the lives of girls and how to help dismantle hierarchical systems that prevent girls from reaching their full potential. Register here.
Girl Up Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child
Organizers: Girl Up, UNF, Caterpillar, Dove, UCLA, and Burkle Global Impact Initiative
Date and time: Saturday, October 11, 2014 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM
Venue: UCLA – Carnasale Commons,Palisades Room 330 De Neve Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095
Join Girl Up Teen Advisors and hundreds of youth supporters for a fun and inspiring “PINK-carpet” event! Hear from powerful advocates for girls, international thought leaders and teens who embrace the power of being a girl – plus enjoy a great party to celebrate girls everywhere!