On 14 November 2011, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 66/170 which recognises October 11^th as International Day of the Girl Child. It is a day for advocacy and action by and for girls, as the United Nations signals its global commitment to end gender stereotypes, discrimination, violence and economic disparities that disproportionately affect girls across the globe. Girls continue to lag behind in education and access to health, and many are exposed to domestic violence, commercial sexual exploitation and harmful traditional practices.

Soroptimist International works to empower and educate the girl child. We achieve this in a variety of ways via awareness raising, advocacy and practical action.

This year, the UN theme for the day is Innovating for Girls’ Education. While there has been significant progress in improving girls’ access to education , many girls continue to be deprived of this basic right. Girls in many countries are still unable to attend school and complete their education due to safety-related, financial, institutional and cultural barriers. The transformative potential for girls and societies promised through girls’ education is yet to be realized. Read more on the UN International Day of the Girl Child web page.

Action Idea – Girl Rising Film

Why not arrange a screening of the inspiring Girl Rising film, which tells the stories of 9 extraordinary girls from 9 countries, written by 9 celebrated wrters and narrated by 9 renowned actresses.Girl Rising showcases the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world.