International Day of the Girl Child is held annually on 11 October. Established by the United Nations (UN), this day is an opportunity to bring greater awareness to the particular challenges facing girls, particularly those living in poverty.
It is also a chance to celebrate girls’ achievements, promote empowerment, and advocate for the fulfilment of human rights for girls around the globe.
In celebration of International Day of the Girl Child, we’re taking a moment to pause and reflect on what the day means, and how you can mark the occasion yourself.
What is the origin of International Day of the Girl Child?
Twenty-five years ago, the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women was held. More than 30,000 people from 200 countries gathered in Beijing to recognise the human rights of women and girls.
This conference led to the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action which is the most comprehensive policy agenda for the empowerment of women. It was the first UN declaration that was specifically for girls and women’s rights.
On 19 December 2011 the UN adopted Resolution 66/170 which declared 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child. It was decided this day would be used to bring awareness to issues faced by girls around the world, including:
access to education;
child marriage;
gender-based violence; and
sexual and reproductive rights.
Each year a different theme is attached to the day, to keep the occasion current with contemporary priorities, and the pressing issues faced by women and girls.
What is the theme of International Day of the Girl Child in 2022?
This year’s theme is “Our time is now – our rights, our future”. 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl. While there has been increased attention on issues that matter to girls amongst governments across this period, the investment in girls’ rights ultimately remains limited.
With adversity however, comes resourcefulness, creativity, tenacity and resilience. As the United Nations says “it is time for us all to stand accountable – with and for girls – and to invest in a future that believes in their agency, leadership and potential”.
How you can get involved with International Day of the Girl Child activities
You can get involved with International Day of the Girl Child by spreading awareness about the challenges facing girls around the globe, or by donating to a cause that implements programs to improve the lives of girls.
Spreading awareness and educating people around you is an important role you can play. You can do this by sharing information on your social media or starting a conversation with colleagues, friends or family.
Another way you can get involved is by donating money to charities helping girls and young women in developing countries. One of the biggest challenges girls face is access to education.
At ChildFund, our work in education is focused on ensuring that girls have equal access to school and learning opportunities. This includes offering girls in South East Asia school scholarships, which cover tuition costs and provide girls with the school supplies and resources they need to stay in school.
If you’d like to show your support for girls on International Day of the Girl Child, consider donating one of our scholarships to a young girl.
You might also like to get a group together at work to contribute, as part of a workplace giving or corporate social responsibility program.
An equal future: supporting the rights of girls everywhere
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.
Together, let’s empower girls and young women with the opportunities they need to succeed. If you would like to help girls in developing countries you can purchase a scholarship for a girl as a one-off donation or donate monthly to provide life-changing support.
Father’s Day is the one special day of the year where you get to celebrate and give thanks to your dad for all he has done for you.
Dads are special people who are there when you need them most. During our childhoods, fathers help us to learn, and make sure we feel safe, secure and loved. As adults, they are still on hand to provide support and guidance.
This Father’s Day there is no better way to show your appreciation than by giving your dad a gift that will truly change lives. Rather than gifting him another boring t-shirt or pair of socks, reciprocate his generous and loving nature by donating a charity gift from our range of Gifts for Good on his behalf.
To help you choose the perfect gift, we have put together a list of six Father’s Day charity gift ideas that we think your dad will love!
1. Donate chickens to charity for dad
Nduku, age 10, and her brother Muthiani, 6, hold chickens given to them by ChildFund in Makueni County, Kenya. The chickens have strengthened the family’s health and economic status and allowed them to weather the current drought.
Your dad never let you go hungry when you were growing up, let him do the same for a family in need this Father’s Day.
2. Make dad a hero by donating a share of a deepwater borehole system
Clean water is essential for human survival. This Father’s Day you can offer Dad a gift that will last generations and help change the lives of a whole school – or even an entire community – thanks to gifting a share of a deepwater borehole system.
Your Father’s Day gift could be combined with others to fund the drilling, construction and maintenance of a completely solar-powered, deepwater borehole system. This charity gift could bring change to children and families — and excess water can be sold to benefit the entire community and maintain the well. This is an investment that could improve lives for many years to come.
3. Help a child get to school with a bike and helmet
Children in Cambodia with bicycles from ChildFund.
Learning how to ride a bike is something your dad might have helped you with as a child. A lot of patience and support is needed when teaching someone how to ride a bike, but the end results are amazing. Give the joy of cycling to another father and child living in poverty by donating a bike and helmet as a charity gift this Father’s Day.
Many children in developing countries have to walk long lengths to get to school, sometimes through dangerous conditions. Your donated bike and helmet will help a child get to school quickly and safely. This child will be forever thankful for the impact your Father’s Day gift will have on their daily life.
4. Give a hand washing station to a community in need for your dad
A handwashing station improves the hygiene of a whole community, which significantly reduces rates of disease. By teaching the community about hygiene and providing access to soap and toothbrushes, this facility allows them to stay clean and healthy.
This will be a Father’s Day gift your dad will always remember, as he will be responsible for improving the health of a whole community in need, which is so important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Let your dad help kids sleep safe and sound
Whether he tucked you in tight or scared the monsters from under the bed, Dad was always there to help make sure you felt safe each night before you fell asleep. Now your Dad can help vulnerable children around the world feel just as comfortable each night with a safe and sound bundle.
A simple charity gift of blankets and mosquito nets could keep children warm and safe from the threat of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Now they can be ready to brave cold nights in winter with their new mattresses, pillows, and a pair of mosquito nets.
6. Let your dad change children’s lives by donating a school supplies set
Giving the gift of a school supplies set allows children to reach their full potential in the classroom. In developing countries, school supplies like pens, pencils and notebooks are unaffordable. This charity gift idea gives a student the essential items they need for a successful year of learning as well as the backpack to put them in.
Give the ultimate gift this Father’s day with our charity gift bundles
Can’t choose just one Father’s Day gift idea? Our charity gift bundles combine some of our most in need gifts together in one bundle to make an even bigger difference. Our charity gift bundles include:
Safe and Sound Bundle: Your Father’s Day gift could help a child sleep warmly, safely and soundly.
Furry Friends Bundle: There’s nothing more special than a furry friend. These animals will provide children in need with edible goods, and companionship.
Bright Future Bundle: You and Dad could help a child in need reach their full potential by supporting their education.
Food for Thought Bundle: Help parents in need provide for their children with food supplies to feed the whole family.
Give a meaningful charity gift this Father’s Day
Show your appreciation for dad this Father’s Day by giving him a gift that will change the lives of those who need it most. A charitable gift from our range of Gifts for Good will bring a smile to your dad’s face and will give him the opportunity to make a real difference in the world.
