Celebrate girls and women’s rights on the International Day of the Girl by joining UN Publications for a live storytime on Sunday, 11 October at 10 am EST (New York).
Rona Ambrose will read from her book, The International Day of the Girl: Celebrating Girls Around the World, and introduce us to brave characters, like Sokanon from an indigenous community in Canada who is determined to improve the poor state of her school.
Watch the event here.
Every year on 11 October, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of the Girl to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. Gender-based violence, illiteracy, nutrition, and child marriages are some of the many challenges girls face around the world.
So in 2011, world leaders agreed to dedicate a special day to focus on creating solutions to the challenges of gender inequality.
The newly published book emphasizes the reality of girls’ experiences around the world. Fictional characters inspired by real-life girls showcase the everyday struggles they face in their local communities.
Embark on an adventure with Flora from South America, Hana from Afghanistan, Abuya from Kenya and other charming characters as they use their voices to change their lives and communities for the better.
“The International Day of the Girl is an important reminder of the obstacles girls continue to face globally, but it is also a celebration of the brave, creative ways girls are overcoming inequality,” describes author Jessica Dee Humphreys.
Former politician Rona Ambrose, a co-author of the book, says “I am proud to have led the movement to create the United Nations International Day of the Girl when I was Canada's Minister for the Status of Women in 2011. This book celebrates the stories of girls who embody the meaning behind this important day. It is a tool to inspire and teach girls and boys about gender equality and about being global citizens.”
The International Day of the Girl: Celebrating Girls Around the World promotes SDG 5: Gender Equality. For a list of books that educate children about the Sustainable Development Goals, visit the United Nations SDG Book Club!
