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International Day of the Girl Child

Join us in celebrating International Day of the Girl Child - empower young women and girls around the world with education, independence, and love!

Sunday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 11

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th with all the enthusiasm and appreciation it deserves! This day has been around since 2012, when it was first established to bring attention to the rights of young girls around the world. It's a special opportunity for us to recognize and honor their contributions, as well as promote gender equality. From empowering young girls through education, to providing them with better access to health care and economic opportunities, there are many ways we can show our support on this special day. So let's join together and make this International Day of the Girl Child one that is truly memorable!

TIMELINE

International Day of the Girl Chil Timeline

Plan International’s Initiative

Nonprofit organization Plan International sponsors a campaign advocating for a specific day to recognize girls' rights.

UN Declaration

The United Nations General Assembly formally establishes October 11 as International Day of the Girl Child.

First Official Celebration

The first formal celebration of the holiday takes place, with a focus on ending child marriage.

"Girls' Progress"

The theme "Girls' Progress = Goals' Progress: What Counts for Girls" is used to emphasize the importance of data collection in advancing girls' rights.

"With Her: A Skilled GirlForce"

The theme "With Her: A Skilled GirlForce" is launched to encourage the development of job skills among girls.

Digital Activism in Pandemic

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, activities and advocacy move to digital platforms, highlighting issues like the digital gender divide.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Day of the Girl Chil

Organize a Fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser to benefit a charity or organization that works to improve the lives of girls and young women. This could include a walkathon, bake sale, or silent auction.

CREATE

Create an Art Project

Create an art project to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and the struggles that girls and young women face around the world. Consider using posters, paintings, sculptures, or even digital art.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Volunteer your time with a local organization or charity that focuses on helping girls and young women achieve their goals. This could include tutoring, mentoring, or providing support services.

HOST

Host an Event

Host an event to bring together girls and young women in your community. This could include a movie night, game night, or even a serious discussion about how to empower young women in your community.

SPREAD

Spread Awareness

Share articles, videos, and other resources about International Day of the Girl Child on social media or in person with your friends, family, and peers to spread awareness about the importance of gender equality.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Day of the Girl Chil is Important

It encourages investment in girls

Investing in young girls has been proven to have positive impacts on the economy and society at large. Therefore, International Day of the Girl Child is an important reminder that investing in our girls today will help ensure a brighter future tomorrow!

It raises awareness of the challenges girls face

International Day of the Girl Child helps raise awareness of some of the unique challenges girls face such as gender inequality, discrimination, and lack of access to education. By bringing these issues to light, we can work together to create a better world for future generations of women.

It promotes gender equality

International Day of the Girl Child celebrates and promotes gender equality, so that girls everywhere can have the same access to opportunities as boys. From equal pay in the workplace to ending child marriages, this important day helps empower women around the globe.