As the world marks International Day of the Girl Child 2024 today, underscoring the urgent need to ensure girls’ empowerment and rights, new figures reveal a sharp rise in sexual violence against girls, particularly in countries like Pakistan where their struggle to access education and health care, and security continues unabated. .
According to UNICEF estimates, more than 370 million girls and women around the world have been raped or sexually assaulted before they turn 18, underscoring the urgent need for action.
The first-ever global and regional estimates of sexual violence against children reveal the scale of violation around the world, especially for adolescent girls, which often has lifelong implications.
When “non-contact” forms of sexual violence, such as online or verbal abuse, are included, the number of girls and women affected rises to 650 million girls and women globally – or 1 in 5, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and support strategies to achieve Effectiveness. Addressing all forms of violence and abuse.
“Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “It causes deep and lasting trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe.”
Pakistan also celebrates this day with a commitment to redouble its efforts to invest in empowering girls and promoting awareness to ensure their rights, besides addressing the issues they continue to face.
“The power to change the world”
In an emotional message on this day, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said: “The courage, determination and talent of our nation’s daughters has the power to change the world. Move forward, we are with you.”
“Nurturing the dreams and potential of girls is not just their right, but also a national duty. The Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive roadmap for the protection, education, health and well-being of girls and women.”
She added: “I hope that every daughter can turn her dreams into reality with the support of the community.”
It is an undeniable fact that for young girls growing up in Pakistan, there are few women in power who they can look up to and rely on to protect their rights. The lack of women in the workforce also undermines girls’ access to vital services such as health care and education, since girls are more likely to feel comfortable in these environments when women are present.
Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesoori also shared a message that read: “Empowering girls is the foundation of societal progress.”
“Providing opportunities for girls to advance in all fields is our first responsibility. Through education and protection, we can secure a bright future for our girls.”
Tesori added that enhancing girls’ talents is crucial to the country’s development.
It is estimated that 53% of the more than 25 million out-of-school children in Pakistan are girls, creating a workforce that is disproportionately underrepresented by women.
The labor participation rate for women in Pakistan is just over 24% compared to about 80% of men, and the gap is particularly acute at the top of the economic pyramid where women make up only 5.71% of legislators, senior officials and managers. According to the Global Gender Gap Report issued by the World Economic Forum.
“Girls’ vision of the future”
The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as International Day of the Girl Child on December 19, 2011, to recognize the rights of girls and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
The theme of this year’s International Day, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” conveys the need for urgent action and continued hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and their vision for the future, according to the message published by the United Nations on its website. Website.
Today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global climate crises, conflict, poverty and the rollback of hard-won gains in human rights and gender equality.
Many girls are still deprived of their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their future.
However, recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crises, but they have hope for the future. Every day they take action to realize a vision of a world where all girls are protected, respected and empowered.
But girls cannot achieve this vision alone. They need allies who will listen and respond to their needs.
With the right support, resources and opportunities, the potential of the world’s more than 1.1 billion girls is limitless. When girls lead, the impact is immediate and widespread: families, communities and economies are all stronger, and our futures are brighter.
It’s time to listen to girls, and invest in proven solutions that will accelerate progress toward a future where every girl can fulfill her potential.