👧Celebrating the 10th International Day of the Girl Child
Why it matters to the advancement of humanity
In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child. As the child counterpart to International Women’s Day (celebrated on 8 March), this day aims to promote girls’ empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights, and bring attention to the unique challenges faced by girls around the world.
10 years on, many gender-based issues are still rampant, like child marriages, poor learning opportunities, violence and discrimination. On the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl Child, we took some time to reflect on why it actually matters, and how the meaning behind this day is integral to the progress of humanity.
Why girls?
The world is home to more than 1.1 billion girls under age 18, who are poised to become the largest generation of female leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers.
If we can support adolescent girls through their formative years and as they mature into women, girls have the potential to change the world — both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders.
Gender equality is not only a basic human right, but it also has a multiplier effect across other areas — it empowers half of humanity to be an equal partner in solving global issues like climate change, political conflict, economic growth, disease prevention and sustainability.
Digital Generation. Our Generation.
This is the theme of this year’s #DayoftheGirl, which is timely given the world’s heavy reliance on digital technology as we navigated our second year into the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the pandemic has accelerated digital platforms for learning, earning and connecting, there are still 2.2 billion youths under the age of 25 that do not have internet access at home. Girls are more likely to be cut off— the gender gap for global internet users grew from 11% in 2013 to 17% in 2019. In the world’s least developed countries, it hovers around a whopping 43%.
But the digital gender divide is about more than connectivity. Girls are also less likely than boys to use and own devices, and gain access to tech-related skills and jobs. In this era where digital technology has improved the lives of many, the disparity in girls being able to access technology and learn tech skills remains a challenge. Only by addressing the inequity and exclusion that span geographies and generations can we usher in a digital revolution for all, with all.
Doing our part
Humanitix is committed to being the humane technology solution that brings people together to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. We’re proud to support education for disadvantaged girls in low income countries, by disrupting the profits in the ticketing industry. We take pride in the fruits of our daily labour being the force that enables more girls to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy.
We know that empowering girls and promoting gender equality is crucial to accelerating sustainable development. Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, but it also has a multiplier effect across all other development areas.
Every day is the International Day of the Girl Child for us, and we hope you can join us in celebrating this more often than once a year — every time you purchase a ticket, host an event or tell a friend about Humanitix, know that you are part of the global effort in empowering girls.👧
(Sources: UNICEF; United Nations)
