International Day of the Girl Child
- Oct 11, 2025
- 2 min read
Globally, girls encounter systemic barriers to equity, safety, education, and well-being. Confronting these challenges head-on, they demonstrate resilience, ingenuity, and leadership, shaping stronger communities. On October 11, we stand with them in solidarity to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, a day designated by the United Nations to honor the influence and contributions of girls worldwide. This day reminds us that progress depends on collaboration with girls as equal partners in rebuilding a more equitable future.
Girls are not calling for more empowerment; they are calling for us to develop greater capacity for collaboration. Effective collaborators listen actively, reflect deeply, follow through diligently, and remain rigorously accountable. Girls ask that we stand with them, not over them; that we amplify their voices, not speak for them; that we work in partnership, not in proxy, and when necessary, step out of their way.
This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” highlights the leadership of girls across the globe. From advocating for climate action to standing against violence, they are driving meaningful change in their communities.
This International Day of the Girl Child, stand with girls. Share their stories, celebrate their achievements, and amplify their voices. Create girl-led spaces, advocate for policies that protect their rights, and call for dedicated funding to meet their needs in health care, education, and mental well-being. At the Child Trauma Research Centre, we stand with girls in partnership, in advocacy, and in action
For practical tools to support meaningful collaboration with girls, please consult the resources below.
Games
Book List:
Books for Kids
Drum Dream Girl: How one girl’s courage changed music by Margarita Engle
A Voice Like Yours by April Groman and Frank Murphy
A Kids Book About Feminism by Emma Mcilroy
Books for Pre-Teens and Young Adults
Girls resist!: A guide to activism, leadership, and starting a revolution by KaeLyn Rich
Rise Up: Ordinary kids with extraordinary stories by Amanda Li
Rebel Girls Climate Warriors: 25 tales of women who protect the Earth by Rebel Girls
Books for Parents and Educators
Trust Kids!: Stories on youth autonomy and confronting adult supremacy by Carla Bergman and Dani Burlison
Youth Allyship Resources for Parents and Educators
