An eight-year-old girl retrieves textbooks from the rubble of her house, destroyed by an earthquake in western Nepal (archive). International Day of the Girl Child: The world needs to hear their voices Sustainable Development Goals
Girls aged 15 to 19 are twice as likely as their male peers to not be in education, work or vocational training. In unstable environments, they are nearly 90 percent more likely to be out of school than girls in stable environments.
The UN reminds us of this on International Day of the Girl Child, which is celebrated on October 11. In 2025, the Day will be held under the slogan “Girls as Leaders of Change”, reflecting their active role in solving global problems – from the climate crisis to fighting violence and protecting human rights.
However, 133 million girls around the world are out of school, and almost one in four adolescent girls aged 15-19 who have an intimate partner have been physically or sexually abused by that partner at least once in their lifetime. Despite progress, no country has yet achieved even half of the targets vital for girls’ well-being under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Every girl, no matter where she lives, should have the same access as boys to education, health care and opportunities to participate in society.
“Our world is besieged by crises. Conflicts flare up. Climate disasters are becoming more common. Population displacement has reached record highs. And often it is girls who pay the highest price,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message on the occasion of the Day.
In times of instability, child marriage and sexual violence rise, maternal mortality increases, and girls are often left out of decisions that determine their future, he said. However, Guterres emphasized that it is girls who become the forces of change.
“Girls also play a leading role in finding solutions. Around the world, they are organizing movements for gender justice, education, climate change and much more,” he noted.
The UN Secretary-General called on governments and the international community to recognize the potential of girls and invest in their future: “Act according to their demands. Make their rights a priority. And invest in their capabilities—not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it is essential to building peaceful, prosperous societies.”
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, which became the foundation of efforts to achieve gender equality. This date is a reminder to hear girls’ voices, recognize their leadership and unleash their potential.
“Every girl deserves equality, opportunity and dignity. On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us commit ourselves to building a better world for girls,” the Secretary-General concluded his message.