Calls to address challenges faced by girls mark ‘Girl Child Day’

Dimapur, Oct. 11 (EMN): Campaign to address the unique challenges faced by girls and to include girls’ rights in research, policy and development plans marked the International Girl Child Day celebration on October 11 on the theme “Our time is now – our rights, our future.”

Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID), Dimapur, with the support of MZF, celebrated ‘International Girl Child Day’ with the centre coordinator for Childline Dimapur, Loza, as the guest speaker.

Speaking on the occasion, Loza stated that the day is observed with focus on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote their empowerment and fulfillment of human rights, an update from ACID stated. She added that the focus was on multitude of challenges put in front of girls’ path to reach their potential.

“This has been made worse by the ongoing crises of climate change, COVID-19 and humanitarian conflict around the globe. Girls struggle with issues related to their education, their physical and mental wellness, and leading a life without violence,” she said.

While stating that the rights of oppressed girls around the world need a voice, she the International Day of the Girl Child called for people to become that voice of change and empower them.

She pointed out that there are deeply-rooted gender biases that have created problematic mindsets leading to challenges faced by girls in every step of their way to attain their potential. She, therefore, stated that the International Day of the Girl Child aims to raise awareness about these issues and work towards an action-oriented plan to uplift young girls.

“Because empowered girls are the future of a great and progressive society. If we respect, care, love and support the girl child, I don’t think we need to celebrate this day. We can only celebrate children’s day,” Loza said.

She further urged the male children to go home and tell their mothers, aunts, sisters that they will protect them and care for them. 

Sister Geeta, in her welcome address, stated that the day is observed all over the world with various types of celebrations to campaign for the rights and recognition of the girl child.

“It is also known as Day of Girls and is celebrated with the objective to spread awareness regarding gender equality and the problems that girls face in their day to day lives. The day aims to draw attention to the challenges and needs of girls around the world and to promote their empowerment,” Sr. Geeta said.

Girls are deprived of their basic fundamental rights even after progress the world is making, she added.

Sister Pramila, in her concluding remarks, expressed that “a happy and healthy girl child with a safe and progressive environment is what we all dream for a better world.”

The programme was attended by 117 CRM children.

In a related programme, the Jalukie battalion of Assam Rifles also celebrated “International Day of The Girl Child” with the students at ARPS (H) in Jalukie town under Peren district.

The celebration was accompanied by awareness lecture on ‘Menstrual health and hygiene’ with the students of ARPS.

A total of 27 girls, 5 teachers attended the lecture.

The Ghaspani Battalion of Assam Rifles also celebrated ‘International Day of Girl Child’ with the students in Nihokhu on October 11.

On the occasion, a lecture-cum-discussion session was organised to create awareness on gender inequality that girls confront and other issues including child marriage, violence against women, access to education, and motivated girls to reach their greatest potential.