What is International Day of the Girl Child?  It is a response to an urgent problem facing our world today: the neglect and devaluation of girls around the world.  On December 19, 2011, the U.N. declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child.  It is honored worldwide because these issues are faced all over the world – not only in a few countries.  This year’s theme: Innovating for Girls’ Education.

The Mission  According to the U.N., the goal of this day is “to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.”  On October 11 of every year, groups around the world act to highlight, discuss, and celebrate girls’ lives and opportunities across the globe.  After discussing gender issues, then people can take action to change the status quo.

Issues Girls Face Today  54% of 3 rd -5 th grade girls worry about their appearance and 37% worry about their weight.  By 2015, females will make up 64% of the world’s illiterate (adult) population.  Only 30% of girls in the world are enrolled in secondary school.  One in seven girls in developing countries is married off before age 15.  1 in 5 high school girls has been physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.

Topics Covered in this Presentation  Self Esteem  Child Marriage  Education

Self Esteem Worldwide  While only19% of teenage girls are ‘overweight,’ 67% think they need to lose weight.  70% of girls avoid certain activities because they feel bad about their looks.  Low self esteem can lead to destructive behavior, self-harming, eating disorders, alcohol/drug abuse, and depression.

Media & Self Esteem  Watch the video: n0jf46U n0jf46U

Media & Self Esteem  Why do you think media made so many changes to the image of the model?  How does media affect girl’s self esteem?

Child Marriage Worldwide Statistics  One in seven girls in developing countries will be married before the age of 15.  Girls under 15 who are pregnant are five times more likely to die in childbirth than women aged 20 to 24.  Girls from poor families are nearly twice as likely to marry before 18 than girls from wealthier families.  Medical complications from pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death among girls aged

Percentage of Women Ages Married by Age 18

Child Marriage  Preventing child marriage will protect girls' rights and help reduce their risks of violence, early pregnancy, HIV infection, and maternal death and disability.  They are less likely to go to school – and the lack of education hinders a girl's prospects of earning an income, often perpetuating and deepening the cycle of poverty for their families.

Education  Education helps a girl to respect herself and to be respected by others.  Education drastically reduces child marriage. On average, a girl with 7 years of education will marry 4 years later and have 2.2 fewer children.  Education is essential for a strong economy. One extra year of school boosts a girl’s future wages by percent.  Education fosters critical thinking skills, which are essential for effective leaders and democracy. More women are needed to solve global problems.

Issues that Girls Face in Georgia  Do some of these issues apply to Georgia?  Are there other gender issues in Georgia?  What can we do to help?

If you have questions, please contact the GenEq Committee

Works Cited  The Girl Affect.  International Day of the Girl Child.  International Women’s Health Coalition.  Together for Girls.  The United Nations.