International Day of the Girl (IDG) is celebrated each year on 11 October – a day designated to amplifying girls’ voices and advocate for the rights of girls everywhere.
This year marks the 12th anniversary of International Day of the Girl. A day to celebrate girls everywhere, their rights and agency, and drive change towards a safer world where girls are equal and can thrive.
This year's theme is: Girls’ Vision for the Future.
As a mother of two young girls I often think of their future. And as a staff member at Save the Children UK, I am often thinking about the future of girls around the world too. When I read the theme for this year's International Day of the Girl - 'A vision for girls future' -, I began to think what my vision of the future would be.
One definition of a vision is an imagined future. To think about what the future could or should be. Here is mine. And if it seems unrealistic, think about how far we have to come if what I hope for feels so unachievable. Perhaps one day it won’t feel that way.
I think of a future where my daughters walk home safely from a fun night out. Warm from dancing to their favourite songs with their favourite people. Smiling softly to themselves or laughing with friends as they travel through the night to a safe home. A night where no person touches them without welcome. A night where their minds and bodies are respected by every person they encounter.
They do not hold their keys between their fingers as a makeshift weapon. They do not walk at a pace just short of a run. They don’t have to. They are not afraid, and have no need to be.
I dream of a future where no matter where a girl is born, they will not marry until they have reached adulthood. These bright girls have the opportunity to learn and study. To follow what excites them. To move their bodies freely, joyfully. Playing sport, dancing, running, playing. They understand their bodies are their own.
They do not need to work until they are grown. They are not a burden to their families. They are not a source of income for their families.
I think of a place where every girl knows they are loved and valued. A place where you become a mother only when your body were grown enough to do so and your heart tells you it’s time. They are supported in their pregnancies and through childbirth.
They have enough to eat, clean water to drink. They are healthy and strong.
They know the value that they bring to the world, and to their communities is immeasurable. They know their choices and the way they live their lives set a precedent for the girls still to come. This does not feel like a burden, It feels like an exciting challenge.
They know how to ask for help. They know their rights, and demand these rights are respected. They look out for one another. They dream big.
They are excited by the thought of the future.
