Karachi: On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child, the United Nations Secretary-General highlighted the pressing challenges faced by girls worldwide, emphasizing their vision for a future marked by equality and opportunity. The message was delivered as part of the global observance on October 11, 2024, focusing on empowering girls to overcome substantial barriers to education, health, and freedom.

According to United Nations Pakistan, the Secretary-General’s message underlined the grim statistics that girls face, including their disproportionate share of new adolescent HIV infections and higher likelihood of being excluded from education and training. Child marriage continues to affect roughly 20% of girls globally before the age of 18. The statement stressed that these issues are compounded by ongoing global conflicts and a regression in gender equality, which collectively hinder the potential and future of girls around the world.

The theme for this year’s event, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” calls for the international community to listen to and support the aspirations of girls who are eager to transform their vision into reality. The Secretary-General urged for significant actions to include girls in decision-making processes, provide them with educational opportunities, and equip them with necessary resources and leadership roles to address and overcome these challenges.