Celebrate the Girls Leading Our World in OctobHER: International Month of the Girl

In 2011, the United Nations declared October 11th International Day of the Girl to acknowledge the unique barriers girls face globally and call upon policymakers, state leaders, and the general public to invest in adolescent girls. 

At Global G.L.O.W., we know that when adolescent girls are provided with the tools needed to realize their agency, they use their voice and power to not only better themselves and their communities, but also the world at large. 

We believe girls deserve more than just one day of celebration and recognition. That’s why we celebrate #OctobHER, International Month of the Girl: an entire month dedicated to celebrating girls and their stories. Because we know that the best future we can advocate for is one where girls are leading our world. 

Over the last decade, we’ve seen global improvements in the status of girls’ overall health, education level, and economic empowerment, however, there is much still to be done in order to achieve a world of gender equality where adolescent girls can thrive. 

Join us this OctobHER to learn directly from girls around the world about how you can invest in their rights, leadership, and wellbeing. 

Girls’ Barriers to Success in 2023

As global systems have historically favored male advancement, adolescent girls often face societal and cultural barriers to educational and economic success. Nearly 1 in 5 girls do not finish primary school. They also spend significantly more time completing unpaid domestic work compared to their male peers. Unequal access to secondary and primary education stunts girls’ opportunities to advance their careers, resulting in a lack of financial independence. 

Lack of access to clean water and sanitation can also hinder girls’ access to education. Menstrual stigma and lack of access to sanitary products and hygiene facilities causes adolescent girls to stay home from school. 

Additionally, young girls disproportionately face health risks. Nearly half of adolescent girls aged 15-19 do not rely on modern and reliable methods of contraception. Teenage pregnancy and the subsequent maternal health complications are a leading cause of mortality for adolescent girls. 

Even if adolescent girls were fully equipped with the knowledge and resources to avoid early pregnancy, many are forced into child marriage. Over 100 million young girls are at risk of child marriage and nearly 1 in 4 of those partnered adolescent girls have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.

The Investment is Worth It

Research proves the need for investment in girls and their futures. With each year of additional secondary schooling, adolescent girls’ potential increases by over 10%. Some studies even estimate that when adolescent girls receive universal access to secondary education, emerging economies could see a significant boost in their overall GDP. 

“Investment in adolescent girls and their rights can transform societies for the better.”

When provided with access to modern contraceptive methods and comprehensive maternal health care, maternal and newborn mortality rates could be reduced by over 60%.

Investment in adolescent girls and their rights can transform societies for the better. A future with girls leading our world results will result in stabilized economies, a decrease in poverty, increased productivity and prosperity for families, and an increased life expectancy and higher quality of life for girls and women.

How You Can Take Action Today 

This OctobHER, there are several ways you can get involved to support girls, their rights, and their leadership. 

1. Listen to Girls’ Stories

Girls’ know what girls need. Follow our social media accounts throughout the month as we highlight the  voices and stories of incredible Girls Leading Our World through advocacy in their communities and beyond. 

2. Raise Awareness

When we’re made aware of inequalities around us, we’re more likely to take actionable steps to challenge them. Download and share the official OctobHER social media toolkit using the hashtag #GirlsLeadingOurWorld to educate your community on the critical issues facing girls globally, and how we can all play a part in changing them. 

3. Invest in Girls Leading Our World 

We mentor girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Since inception, our signature program, GLOW Club, has ignited over 91,000 girls to increase their confidence, strengthen their voice, and build their power. Support our work at globalgirlsglow.org/donate.