As the COVID-19 pandemic increases gender, economic and racial inequalities, the UN on Friday marked the upcoming International Day of the Girl, with a youth-driven virtual townhall to demand a more just and equitable world for girls.
Under the theme “Be Bold. Building Equity for Girls”, leaders and policy makers spoke up on a host of important topics, to protect and empower young women.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told girls: “Be bold in your demands and be confident in the steps you are taking”.
“As we celebrate the achievements and potential of girls, we must keep up the pressure for change”, she said. “Your solutions and ideas are essential to step up the pace of progress”.
Diversity and Inclusion
The discussion on race, sexuality and equity, shone a spotlight on those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex or asexual (LGBTQIA) as well as girls of colour.
While LGBTQIA girls experience discrimination and bullying that can lead to avoiding school and low personal and academic self-esteem, girls of colour have a higher risk of verbal, physical and sexual abuse, the online gathering heard.
Activists speak out
Activist Molly P from the United States came out as “a proud bisexual” at the age of 11.
With a supportive family, she started the Pinta Pride Project and threw her town’s first LGBTQIA+ parade in 2019, but wondered what plans were being secured to “help trans girls worldwide who do not have equal protection under the law?"
Also, from the US, activist Oumou, of Girls for Gender Equity based in New York, called for justice and reparations for young black women. She pointedly noted that “40 per cent of black girls and women experience rape or sexual assault during their lifetime”.
"Black girls deserve to live in a world where they are valued” and protected, upheld the young activist, asking “How can the UN work to support the Black Girls Bill of Rights in our global community?”
‘Raise our voices’
Nafissatou Diop, from the UN Population Fund (UNFP), responded that the UN is supporting governments to “take forward international human rights obligations”. She also underscored the need to “raise our voices against expressions of racism and gender inequalities”, saying that girl's voices are powerful and “count to make a difference”.
As UNFPA works to empower women and girls, Ms. Diop asserted: “Your voice is your equal future”. “Every girl is a powerful change agent in her own right”, she stressed, “activists like you, the girls, can address the gaps”. Read more via UN