DUSHANBE, October 10, 2012, Asia-Plus – International Day of the Girl Child is being marked worldwide on October 11.
On this occasion, UNFPA Country Office in Tajikistan is carrying out an information campaign today. The main objective of the event is in drawing attention of the public and the government problems facing girls and young women in Tajikistan.
Representatives of public associations and international organizations active in the country are participating in the event.
Presentations on the following themes have been prepared: Early Marriages – Domestic Violence and Violation of Rights of Girls; Full Participation of Girls with Disabilities in Social Life; and Role of Religion and Its Influence on State of Women and Girls in Tajikistan.
International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day declared by the United Nations. October 11, 2012, will be the first Day of the Girl. The observation supports more opportunity for girls, and increases awareness of inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender. This inequality includes areas such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and protection from discrimination and violence.
The International Day of the Girl Child initiative began as a project of Plan International, a non-governmental organization that operates worldwide. The idea for an international day of observance and celebration grew out of Plan International”s Because I am a Girl campaign, which raises awareness of the importance of nurturing girls globally and in developing countries in particular. Plan International representatives in Canada approached the Canadian federal government to seek support for the initiative. A coalition of supporters raised awareness of the initiative internationally.
International Day of the Girl Child was formally proposed as a resolution by Canada in the United Nations General Assembly. Rona Ambrose, Canada”s Minister for the Status of Women, sponsored the resolution; a delegation of women and girls made presentations in support of the initiative at the 55th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly voted to pass a resolution adopting October 11, 2012 as the inaugural International Day of the Girl Child.
