We need to make sure our initiatives are reaching all girls: UN Secretary-General

On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

“Investing in girls is both the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do. It has a powerful ripple effect across all areas of development, and reaches forward to future generations.” said Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon in a statement.

According to the Secretary-General, “the wellbeing, human rights and empowerment of the world’s 1.1 billion girls are central to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.”

He recalled that the world promised girls to end discrimination and violence, as well as harmful practices like child marriage, and also provide them with quality education and health services.

“Too often, in villages, shanty towns and refugee camps around the world, girls are the ones left behind: without nutritious food, healthcare or quality education, and at risk of sexual violence.” reads the statement published by the UN official website.

The Secretary-General added that “we need to make sure that our initiatives are reaching all girls: girls in extreme poverty; girls in isolated rural areas; girls living with disabilities; girls in indigenous communities; girls who are refugees or displaced within their own countries.”

“Let us all work hard to make sure we count all girls, because all girls count.” He ended.