Did you know that today is the first ever International Day of the Girl? When I found out about this movement, I couldn’t have been more pleased. It’s up to all of us to make sure that women’s (and girl’s!) rights are championed loud and proud. And after reading the quotes from girls involved in the movement, I feel like the Day of the Girl is more than a movement — it’s a revolution.
“After officially making October 11 the Day of the Girl, I feel very accomplished and filled with pride because it took a lot of teamwork to make this big change. I never thought I would ever talk to important people like elected officials. At first I was nervous but then I got used to it. Now I know how to get my point across and how to act business like. The steps we took were successful and I hope that other girls can follow our lead.” –Marisa S, age 13
We’ve all seen the statistics on self esteem and its impact on young women. Life as an adolescent is confusing enough — add in the oft-troubling portrayals of women in mass media, and you’ve got an equation that too many times results in a girl feeling marginalized, lesser than, not good enough. Creating a movement to celebrate the real strength girls have, and showing them they have the ability to make a huge impact on the world? Genius.
“The Day of the Girl is a growing movement. Girls have the voices to make a real impact: don’t ignore us. We have dreams to achieve, and we’re tired of having society standing in our way.“ –Joanne C, age 19 and co-founder of Day of the Girl campaign
At Prosperity Candle, we believe wholeheartedly that investing in women changes the world for the better. We’ll be celebrating Day of the Girl with all of the girls in our own lives, making sure they know how powerful a force for change they are. Just like Marisa and Joanne and all of the amazing girls who came together to make this day happen.
You can learn more about International Day of the Girl at the Day of the Girl site. Follow Day of the Girl on Facebook and Twitter, and help spread the word about this campaign . . . especially to the girls in your life.
