October 11 is the International Day of the Girl

• Every 7 seconds, a girl falls in the danger of child marriage; Female genital mutilation occurs every 9 seconds
• Girls are x2.5 more likely not to go to school than boys during conflict
• 75% of child trafficking victims are women and girls
• Growing dangers of exploitation online

How to treat our girls:

1) Emphasize that they hold equal potential and power as others:

• “You can do it too!” not “Girls don’t do that.”
• Ask them their thoughts/dreams instead of emphasizing housework, courtesy, or appearance
• Show them girls changing the world, such as Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg

2) Ensure their right to equal opportunity for education

In addition to familial and cultural prevention, countless girls are unable to attend school due to exposure to danger on their way to or at school. Help ensure girls’ rights to safe education.

3) Enforce stronger protection for girls from violence

• When a girl falls victim to sexual harassment, violence, discrimination, make sure to let her know that it is NOT her fault.
• Demand harsher punishment against domestic violence, sexual violence/assault/harassment, cyber crimes, sex trafficking and stronger child protection laws.

4) **Teach boys respect.

Treat lessons on equality as important as other topics of education. The most effective method of education is leading by example. Gender equality can only be achieved not by the works of half of the world, but through our collective effort.

Resources for aiding girls

• PLAN: plan-international.org/take-action 
• Malala Fund: malala.org
• Girls Not Brides: girlsnotbrides.org/take-action/
• Love146: love146.org/ 

Empower our daughters, sisters, and leaders of the future so that they may realize their value and demonstrate their power.

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