USA: JRS/USA Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child

11 October 2018

(Jesuit Refugee Service)

Today is the International Day of the Girl Child, a day declared by the United Nations, to bring focus and enthusiasm to rights and opportunities for girls around the world. The day was started as the result of youth advocacy around the world “to help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.” This year, the UN is calling for the expansion of learning opportunities for girls and charting new pathways to success for girls through their theme “With Her: A Skilled GirlForce.”

With 68.5 million people displaced from their homes, including more than 17 million girls, JRS/USA is committed to ensuring displaced girls have an opportunity to learn and receive training that can help them succeed. We offer literacy classes to encourage girls to attend secondary school and take leadership roles in their communities, as well as teach specific programs such as Menstrual Hygiene Management that provides girls with health education and hygiene kits to give them the proper knowledge to stay healthy.

“We know from our work around the world that when girls are displaced they are among the most vulnerable in our world and face many hardships amidst displacement. They are often the first to lose their education, childhood, and even value in the eyes of society,” said Joan Rosenhauer, JRS/USA’s Executive Director. “But, today, the International Day of the Girl Child, we celebrate girls around the world – their hope, resilience, drive, and creativity. JRS/USA will continue to support girls and expand initiatives to promote girls learning, vocational training, and empowerment.”

For more information on International Day of the Girl Child and ways to get involved, please visit http://www.un.org/en/events/girlchild/