Sunday is Int’l Day of the Girl Child

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf   has by proclamation declared Sunday, October 11, 2015, as “International Day of The Girl Child” and is to be observed on Monday, October 12, 2015, throughout the country as a  working holiday .

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year’s International Day Of the Girl Child will be celebrated under the international theme: “The Power Of The Adolescent Girl: Vision 2030” and the national theme: “Ensuring Quality Education For Girl Empowerment” in recognition of the importance of investing in Adolescent Girls’ empowerment and rights.

 The Proclamation calls on local and international organizations, UNICEF, Plan-Liberia, Ministries and agencies of Government to join the Ministry Of Gender and Children Protection in executing   appropriate programs befitting the Day.  

The Proclamation  states that over the last 15 years, the global community has made significant progress in improving the livelihood of girls through quality secondary and higher education and avoiding child marriage,  receiving information and services related to puberty and productive health, as well as  admonishing them to be cautious about unwanted pregnancy,  sexually transmitted disease and gender based violence.

 On December 19, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 declaring October 11, to be observed each year as the International Day Of The Girl Child in recognition of girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face around the world, and in acknowledgement of the importance of empowerment of and investment in girls which are critical for the eradication of poverty and breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence, the release declared.