On October 11th, the world turns its attention to the International Day of the Girl Child, an annual observance established by the United Nations to recognize the rights of girls and the unique challenges they face. This year, the theme resonates with a powerful call to action: “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis.”
This theme isn’t just a slogan; it’s a reality. All over the world, girls are stepping up to meet today’s biggest challenges. They are organizing in their communities, fighting for climate justice, and demanding an end to violence. Yet, too often, their voices go unheard, and their rights are overlooked.
As we mark 30 years since the Beijing Declaration—the world’s blueprint for gender equality—this day is a rallying cry to see girls for who they truly are, listen to their voices, and recognize their limitless potential.
Good Shepherd on the Global Stage
The Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace Office (GSIJP) proudly joins the Working Group on Girls (WGG) in shaping this year’s Girls Speak Out at the United Nations—an annual celebration of the International Day of the Girl where girls take the lead as changemakers and advocates.
Rooted in our mission to uphold the dignity and rights of every person, Good Shepherd continues to champion the leadership of girls and their right to be heard. This year’s theme, “We Are Here: Bold, Diverse, and Unstoppable – Demanding Action for Girls’ Rights,” captures the courage and vision that girls bring to the global stage—especially as the world marks the 30th anniversaries of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the World Programme of Action for Youth. These milestones remind us of the promises made to girls and young people—and of the urgent need to turn them into lasting change.
We are especially proud of Andrea, a youth leader from the Colectivo Revolución Mariposa of Good Shepherd Bolivia, who serves on the WGG’s Girls’ Planning Committee and as a Moderator for this global event. During the program, she will share a powerful message about the ripple effect of girls’ voices, reminding the world that:
“When one girl speaks up, her voice creates a ripple that crosses borders and inspires others to rise too. Together, we are building a global movement—bold, diverse, and unstoppable—demanding a world grounded in justice, equality, and dignity for all.”
Through Andrea’s participation—and through GSIJP’s leadership within WGG—Good Shepherd continues to amplify girls’ voices, celebrate their leadership, and work toward a world where every girl can live free, safe, and unstoppable.
We invite you to watch Andrea and the rest of the girls at the Girls Speak Out live on UN Web TV on October 10 at 10:30 AM (New York / ET) — 4:30 PM in Rome, 10:30 AM in Bolivia, and 8:00 PM in India. (Interpretation will be available in English, French, and Spanish.)
The spirit of advocacy and celebration is echoing across the entire Good Shepherd mission with a series of events dedicated to empowering girls and amplifying their voices.
Good Shepherd Asia Pacific (GSAP) is hosting a series of webinars titled “Champions for Change.” From October 2nd to 11th, units across the region—including the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia—will lead sessions on themes like “Her Vision, Our Mission,” “Breaking Gender Norms, Building Futures,” and “Her Voice Matters.” The series will culminate in a final event on International Day of the Girl, celebrating “The Girl I am, The Change I Lead.”
In Latin America, a month-long regional campaign is underway with the theme “The girl I am, the change I lead”. In partnership with the NNA (‘Niña, Niño y Adolescente’) Program in Bolivia and the Girls for Girls Clubs project, the campaign will feature digital advocacy, a drawing contest, dialogues with authorities, and a webinar on October 16th and a regional day of prayer on October 24th. These activities aim to empower girls, encourage their leadership, and foster their active participation in society.
Why This Matters Now
The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. Girls worldwide face escalating threats, from rollbacks in education rights and rising gender-based violence to the disproportionate impacts of conflict and climate change. A recent UNICEF report highlights stark realities:
- Girls aged 15-19 are twice as likely as boys to not be in education, employment, or training.
- Nearly 1 in 4 adolescent girls who have been in a relationship have experienced violence from a partner.
- In fragile contexts, child marriage rates are almost double the global average.
Despite these barriers, girls are not waiting for a better world—they are building it. Investing in their potential is not just the right thing to do; it is the smartest action we can take for a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Join the Movement
We invite you to stand in solidarity with girls everywhere. Your voice matters.
- Participate in our Events: Join the Good Shepherd Asia Pacific and Latin America online events to hear directly from girls and their advocates. Register here for Asia Pacific events.
- Tune into Girls Speak Out: Join us from the United Nations on October 10 for the Girls Speak Out, where girls from around the world will demand accountability and share their vision for a just and equal future. Watch the livestream on UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k12/k12x46voj1. Girls are encouraged to register for the virtual event here: https://forms.gle/KfB6KkRyC2iiPxAQA.
- Amplify Their Voices: Share girls’ stories and achievements on your own social media platforms. Advocate for policies and resources that protect their rights and enable their leadership.
Together, we can ensure that when girls speak, the world not only listens but responds with meaningful action!
