The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

THE United Nations has declared tomorrow the first annual International Day of the Girl Child.

Local founder of the Girls Leadership Coaching Club, life coach and leadership communication specialist Michelle Miller, said the UN has established October 11 as a day to promote girls’ rights and bring attention to issues of gender inequality, discrimination and exploitation.

She said: “The historic day serves to promote girls’ rights, highlight the lingering gender inequalities between girls and boys and address countless forms of discrimination and exploitation that girls around the world endure.

“Such a day gives girls everywhere an opportunity to synergise their power of influence and advocate for sustainable social change in their respective communities.”

According to the UN’s website, on December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare October 11 the International day of the Girl Child, establishing a day to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

Ms Miller said over the last 10 years, more than 500 girls in the Bahamas between the ages of 13 and 16, fell prey to “systemic issues of teenage motherhood”.

Along with “deep-seated” issues of low self-esteem, Ms Miller said, small self-image and aggression are serious obstacles to young girls’ development and sense of function.

“There are many significant reasons why an International Day of the Girl is critical to girls’ growth and development – by designating this date, the UN and the world places special attention on the fundamental rights of girls across the world.

“Fundamentally, our social responsibility demands that we ensure they are not excluded from opportunities to realise their dreams. They must be aptly prepared to navigate obstacles and embrace opportunities,” she said.