By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
-The day observed annually on October 11, the International Day of the Girl serves as a significant global occasion to honor girls worldwide, amplifying their voices, actions, and leadership. This day is dedicated to all who advocate for girls and their rights, as we unite to acknowledge and promote the comprehensive range of girls’ rights.
A girl’s identity should not dictate her opportunities, mobility, or aspirations. Unfortunately, this is the current situation for millions of girls globally. Many are left behind, facing severe obstacles that infringe upon their rights, curtail their choices, and hinder their futures.
Currently, one in five young women aged 20 to 24 are married as children. Nearly 25% of partnered or married adolescent girls have endured sexual or physical abuse. Worldwide, 75% of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls.
Additionally, one in three adolescent girls suffers from anemia, a form of malnutrition. The disparity in education, employment, or training is stark, with nearly double the number of adolescent girls (one in four) compared to boys being excluded from these opportunities.
However, change is achievable. Proven strategies exist to expedite progress toward a future where every girl has access to quality healthcare, education, and the skills necessary for success.
The theme for this year’s International Day of the Girl is ‘Girls’ vision for the future.’ This theme is informed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) analysis, which reveals that girls exhibit not only resilience in the face of adversity but also optimism for what lies ahead. Daily, they are taking steps to manifest a world where all girls are safeguarded, valued, and empowered.
Yet, girls cannot achieve this vision in isolation. They require allies who are willing to listen to and address their needs. Research indicates that with appropriate support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of the world’s over 1.1 billion girls is boundless.
On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl, the Global Education Monitoring Report has released new figures showing that 50 million more girls have gained access to education globally since 2015. Additionally, there has been an increase of 5 million girls completing each educational level, from primary to upper secondary education.
This advancement underscores the necessity for intensified efforts in the remaining years leading up to 2030, as there are still 122 million girls who are out of school worldwide. What are the primary trends in girls’ education?
Data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics reveals that there are now 22.5 million more girls enrolled in primary education, 14.6 million more in lower secondary education, and 13 million more in upper secondary education compared to 2015.
The completion rates for girls have risen from 86% to 89% in primary education, from 74% to 79% in lower secondary, and from 54% to 61% in upper secondary education. This translates to 5 million additional girls completing each educational level since 2015.
On a global scale, girls are now surpassing boys in reading proficiency across all educational levels and income groups, while their performance in mathematics is on equivalence with that of boys.
In sub-Saharan Africa, girls are significantly less likely to attend school at any educational level. More than half of all children who are not enrolled in primary and secondary education reside in Africa.
Although the overall situation for girls and young women has seen substantial improvement, some continue to face challenges due to geographical location, poverty, and various social factors.
Girls, the very essence of an equitable tomorrow, must be heard, seen, and encouraged to lead. As we celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, pledge support, unite voices, and lend strength to a fairer future where every girl has the freedom to soar.
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for International Day of the Girl Child 2023 was a clarion call to action: a call to invest in girls’ leadership, to empower them to fight back against sexism, stereotypes, and inequality, and to pave the way for a more just world.
His words are a powerful rallying cry, urging us to recognize the courage and determination of girls around the globe, who are raising their voices and demanding a better future.
As we approach the halfway mark to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the situation for girls globally remains dire. At the current rate of progress, the eradication of child marriage is projected to take an additional 300 years. If trends persist, by 2030, an estimated 110 million young women and girls who should be receiving an education will be denied that opportunity.
Furthermore, 340 million women and girls will continue to face the severe challenges associated with extreme poverty.
Traditional forms of discrimination against girls persist and, in certain instances, are worsening. In Afghanistan, for example, girls are stripped of their fundamental rights and freedoms, confined to their homes without access to education or the prospect of economic self-sufficiency.
Additionally, new forms of discrimination and inequality are surfacing. The digital divide is leaving many girls without access to the online realm, while algorithms that reflect the experiences of men and boys are perpetuating and exacerbating sexism in the digital space.