Day Of The Girl

International Day of the Girl History

International Day of the Girl is dedicated to recognizing and encouraging the empowerment of girls through education, healthcare, and equal opportunities. The day aims to celebrate girls' achievements, raise awareness about the unique challenges they face, and promote gender equality for a better future. Advocacy efforts on this day also emphasize the importance of ending gender-based violence, child marriage, and ensuring equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making.

The United Nations General Assembly declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child in 2011, recognizing the need to support girls in achieving their full potential and to promote their rights. Canadians actively participate in this initiative, acknowledging the importance of investing in girls' empowerment and working towards a more equitable world. Efforts in Canada focus on improving access to education, healthcare, and social support for girls from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous communities, while challenging societal norms that may hinder their growth.

In Canada, International Day of the Girl is observed through various events, workshops, and campaigns designed to empower girls, foster dialogue, and share knowledge about the issues that affect them. Various organizations, educational institutions, and community groups come together to provide learning opportunities, networking, and resources for girls to advance in their personal and professional lives. International Day of the Girl is observed annually on October 11th.

Facts about Day Of The Girl

• The theme for International Day of the Girl in 2025 was For ALL Women and Girls. In 2024 the theme was Girls'vision for the future. In 2023 was Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.
• It is estimated that over 100 million women around the world are missing. Female infanticide and selective abortion are still commonly practiced in Asia and have led to uneven ratios of men and women all over Asia.
• There are some 650 million women alive today who were child brides.
• Ontario’s Pay Equity Commission reported in 2020 that women in the province earn approximately $0.87 for every dollar a man earns.
• A study by the Canadian Women Foundation found that girls' participation in sports drops by 22% during adolescence. Lack of female role models, safety concerns, cost, and lack of access to athletic opportunities are listed as barriers.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Day Of The Girl

Top things to do in Canada for Day Of The Girl

• Get active for girls on social media. Use one of UNICEF's recommended social networking hashtags: #dayofthegirl, #mylifeat15, #girl4president and #girlhero!.
• Take out a girl in your life (your daughter, niece, granddaughter, family friend). Take her out to do her favorite activity on her special day.
• As pink is often associated with advocating for girls' rights, you can choose to wear pink clothing or accessories on International Day of the Girl. This simple act symbolizes solidarity with girls and the fight for gender equality.
• Support girls in your community by volunteering or becoming a mentor. Many organizations, schools, or community centers have programs that pair girls with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and assistance in various aspects of their lives.