By Shudufhadzo Musida, Former Miss South Africa and UNFPA Regional Champion
in commemoratation of International Day of The Girl Child, 11 October
"Empowering a girl child is like planting the seeds of a mighty oak tree in a tiny acorn. Nurture her potential, and she will grow into a force of nature." - Malala Yousafzai
Today, we celebrate the remarkable potential and resilience of girls, while acknowledging the immense challenges they face in their realities, challenges that apprehend their dreams. It is imperative that we come together as a global community to ensure every girl child can thrive, learn and lead.
As a young African woman who has been able to prove her mettle, being in the midst of an unconducive environment can be intimidating. During such times, it helped me to learn from the wisdom of women who have trodden the path of success with resilience and hard work, despite the odds. I, too, want to be a voice that resonates strongly with young women and girls - to remind them that, despite the many impediments in their way, they have an inner strength and power that cannot be taken away unless they choose to give it up.
UNFPA has reported that nearly 1 in 4 girls worldwide is married before the age of 18. This statistic is a stark reminder of the uphill battle girls face in achieving their full potential. Child marriage not only denies girls their right to education and personal development, but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality. It is our collective responsibility to challenge and eradicate this harmful practice by advocating for legislative reforms, promoting education, and raising awareness about the devastating consequences it has on the lives of these girls.
Education is the cornerstone of empowerment for every girl child. UNESCO estimates that 130 million girls worldwide are out of school. This disparity not only limits their individual opportunities but also hampers the progress of entire nations. Investing in girls' education yields remarkable returns, including improved health outcomes, reduced poverty rates, and increased gender equality. It is essential that governments and stakeholders prioritize education funding, eliminate gender-based barriers to schooling, and provide safe learning environments for girls everywhere.
Moreover, girls face significant challenges in the digital realm. The digital gender divide remains a pressing issue, with girls being disproportionately excluded from digital access, skills and opportunities. This divide perpetuates inequalities and limits their ability to participate fully in the digital economy. UNFPA calls for bridging this divide by ensuring affordable and equal access to technology, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging girls' involvement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. By empowering girls in the digital age, we can unlock their potential as innovators, creators, and leaders.
Violence against girls continues to be a grave concern, with an estimated 12 million girls subjected to female genital mutilation each year. This harmful practice violates their rights, jeopardizes their physical and psychological well-being, and perpetuates gender inequality. UNFPA'S mandate to protect young women and girls from violence necessitates comprehensive legal frameworks, awareness campaigns, and support systems to ensure their safety. We must work tirelessly to dismantle harmful cultural practices, promote gender equality, and create a society where every girl can live free from violence and fear.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering girls. We must amplify their voices, encourage their aspirations, and provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to shape a better future for themselves and their communities. By investing in girls' education, health and rights, we are investing in the sustainable development of our world.
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Together, we can break down the barriers that hold girls back and create a world where their dreams can flourish. Let us celebrate the strength, resilience and potential of every girl child, and work towards a future where gender equality is not just a dream but a reality. UNFPA's mandate to protect and empower the girl child serves as a guiding light. It remains our collective responsibility to ensure its fulfillment.
As we commemorate this important day, let us remember that empowering girls today is an investment in a brighter and more equitable tomorrow for all.
