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There is no time to spare in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life – an important foundational period for development and growth.
Children are more likely to lead healthier, brighter lives when they have supportive environments in these early years; the right care and nutrition are essential to their future wellbeing.
In Timor-Leste, knowledge around health, nutrition and food preparation is limited. This is compounded by poor access to health care and hygiene education and facilities. As a result, child malnutrition is a major issue across Timor-Leste, says Americo, a health volunteer supporting families in Lautem municipality. “It can happen to anyone, but mostly it affects children under the age of five in communities in rural areas.”
“When children are sick, some parents don’t take them to the community health centre, but instead seek traditional healers.”
Since 2022, ChildFund Timor-Leste has been working with local partners to train health volunteers like Americo to assist in reducing the rate of child malnutrition in communities. Health volunteers work with parents and caretakers to access nutritious local foods and prepare healthier meals for their children.
Part of the project includes cooking lessons, which have become a popular and invaluable experience for families involved. Lessons focus on teaching parents about the power of the food grown in their own backyard and how best to prepare it for small bellies.
Americo says: “We teach families how to cook meals using produce from their farms, such as rice, chicken, vegetables, eggs, moringa, and coconut oil. We cook these meals, and feed the children three or four times a day or whenever they are hungry. Lots of people don’t know about the benefits of local products.”
Health volunteers are also helping to identify and diagnose malnutrition in its early stages and provide the appropriate nutrition intervention. “Whenever we weigh a child, and the child’s weight is below average, we immediately make plans with the mothers to start cooking lessons,” explains Americo. “We teach them how to cook nutritious porridge for the child to consume for 12 days and then weigh the child again to see their progress. Most of the children gain 2.5 to 3kg.”
Even though the program lasts only 12 days, Americo encourages mothers to continue making meals of nutritious porridge at home. He says families are taking a more proactive approach to their children’s health and wellbeing, scheduling regular health check-ups, and dietary habits in the community have improved. “Malnourished children have gained weight to reach a healthy range, and the mothers are very appreciative of the support, education and encouragement given to them,” says Americo.
“We will continue to work to improve the lives of babies, children, mothers, and the whole community.”
International Day of the Girl Child is a chance to recognise, celebrate and support girls worldwide. It’s also an opportunity to bring greater awareness to the challenges that girls face, particularly girls living in poverty. While we’ve made progress towards gender equality, we’ve still got a long way to go.
What is the theme of International Day of the Girl Child in 2023?
A new theme is chosen for International Day of the Girl Child each year to reflect contemporary priorities and the pressing issues faced by women and girls. The theme for 2023 is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”.
In 2023, we’re witnessing a range ofmovements and actionsdetrimental to girls’ and women’s rights. Reports suggest that it could take another 300 years to close the global gender gaps. Around the world, girls and women are facing anti-feminist rhetoric and policies that threaten their legal protections. This includes increased restrictions over their sexual and reproductive health rightsand free speech. Inadequate protection prevents girls from fulfilling their dreams. Child marriage, for example, robsgirls as young as 12of their childhood and threatens their wellbeing.
This year’s theme speaks to moving forward in achieving gender equality. We need to invest in girls’ futures to reclaim and accelerate progress and empower them to reach their full potential.
Amplifying girls’ voices around the world
To mark International Day of the Girl Child, we’re taking a moment to amplify the voices of girls and young women across the communities in which we work. Despite setbacks – in some instances this includes being denied basic human rights (access to education, health, and safety) – all speak to the innate power and resilience of girls. With the right support there’s nothing girls can’t achieve!
Here’s what they had to say about girls’ rights and gender equality.
Girls like Hai (17) are speaking up for their rights.
“Many people hesitate to speak their mind because they are worried about how other people will react. But if you stay silent, people might never abandon their outdated prejudices. Let’s speak up at the right time, in the right place, to our girls.”– Hai, 17, Vietnam
“I want to become a businesswoman. Women can do business just like men – they just need to have the opportunity. I want to go on to higher education and study in the city. I am confident to live far away from my family to achieve my dreams. What boys can do, girls also can.”– Nita, 11, Cambodia
“Women can work, we don’t have to be dependent on others.” – Nhi, 11, Vietnam
Nhi (11) wants to earn a living to support herself and her family.
“It is critical that adults protect the child right to leisure, play, and culture for all of us as a collective. I am proud of myself to be able to do many things without fear of any obstacles. Both men and women have equal rights.” – Manyta, 15-years-old, Laos
“In the present day and age, we should be able to get rid of inequality in our society.”– Aliya, 16, Laos
“I’ve never seen a female village chief. I want to see a woman become my village chief to show that women have the same capacity as men.” – Rasmei, 10, Cambodia
“When I grow up, I want to be a brave and strong person. I don’t want to ever look down on anyone because everyone is different.” – Chenda, 12, Cambodia
An equal future: supporting the rights of girls everywhere
Rasmei (10) loves to read in her school library.
At ChildFund, we don’t believe that girls’ futures are set in stone at birth. Every girl should have the right to choose their own path, access education and live life on their own terms. We’re committed to supporting the rights of girls and promoting gender equality in the communities in which we work. This includes supporting female leadershipand championing positive female role models to inspire young girls to claim their rights and dream big! It also means a laser-focus on girls’ education.
Equal access to learning opportunities and resources is key to unlocking girls’ potential. Education helps break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter, more prosperous, future for all. Yet 130 million girls are denied an education worldwide. More still needs to be done to remove the barriers preventing girls accessing a quality education.
You can support equality for women and girls today
If you’d like to show your support for girls on International Day of the Girl Child, consider donating to our Girls’ Education Appeal. You will help girls in developing countries go to and stay in school by providing them with the learning supplies, resources and support needed to access a quality education.
And don’t forget to spread the word! Sharing information on social media or speaking with colleagues, friends or family about the challenges girls around the globe face can help raise awareness and promote equality. After all, starting a conversation is the first step to bringing about meaningful change.
Together, we can empower girls and help give voice to their needs.
