International Day of the Girl: Should We Have Hope?

When I was in Bangladesh, I met a lot of inspiring girls.

A young Muslim volunteer at a youth club that we visited dreamed of becoming a dancer. Full of confidence, she gave us a presentation on the services and activities offered at the youth club, explaining how they are able to reach youth in their community, get them off the street, and give them opportunities to learn, create and socialize in a safe environment. After her presentation, some of the youth leaders treated us to a song and then a dance.

We also met Grade 4 girls at a school who dreamed of being doctors and lawyers and teachers and business owners and knew that staying in school was the way to get there.



We met youth who were increasing their employment options and overall life outlook by learning a trade like computer skills or embroidery.



We saw so much hope and opportunity for these girls, yet girls are still very much at a disadvantage worldwide.

A girl in Pakistan was shot in the head because she spoke out in support of education for girls. How is that still possible in 2012? This is why we need an International Day of the Girl.

A Toronto human rights lawyer is working with a Kenyan social worker to launch legal action on behalf of girls who were raped in Kenya and ignored by police when they tried to report it.

At Save the Children Canada today they wrote about their approach to gender equality, noting that gender equality is central to realizing children's rights.

Today at Care2.com, I published a post about changing the cycle of poverty, malnutrition and abuse in Bangladesh, sharing what the life outlook of a young girl might be and how it can be changed through some incredibly important initiatives in health, nutrition and education. I hope you'll read and share it.

Did you or your children do anything today to recognize the International Day of the Girl?