By Sashirekha Natarajan, Chairperson of Good Shepherd Educators Committee in Asia Pacific

From October 1 to 11, 2025, the Good Shepherd network marked the Journée internationale de la petite fille through 11 Days of Action — a vibrant campaign uniting prayer, advocacy, and collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.

Through seven focused Zoom sessions, each advocacy Unit brought together girls, educators, parents, and duty bearers to champion the rights of the girl child. These conversations resonated with the spirit of Beijing +30, the UN theme for the International Day of the Girl, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advancing a shared vision of equality and justice.

Reaching over 10,000 students, teachers, and parents, the initiative fostered creative, inclusive, and transformative engagement among all participants. Every dialogue became a brave, safe space — empowering girls to speak, be heard, and lead change.

Together, we renewed our commitment to leave no one behind and to build a world where every girl lives with dignity, confidence, and hope.

Cilla from Indonesia reflected on the personal growth she experienced, saying, “Change starts from within. I’ve learned to use my voice, lead with purpose, and inspire others to believe that every girl has the power to create impact.” Similarly, Mayrangel from Sri Lanka emphasized that leadership isn’t about volume but values: “It’s about standing for what’s right, even when it’s hard. Every small action can inspire someone else to believe in their own strength.''

For many, the event was a platform to address critical issues. Kendra, a 10-year-old host from Sri Lanka, spoke passionately about topics like period poverty and child abuse, advocating for every girl’s right to safety, respect, and education. Maria from Indonesia echoed this sentiment, sharing how the experience taught her that leadership begins with courage and a commitment to act with heart.

The event also empowered advocates to step out of their comfort zones. April from Malaysia shared, “I gained confidence and learned to stand up not just for myself but for other girls who don’t know how to speak up.” Her mentor, Zianne, expressed pride in the advocates, saying, “May everyone involved be blessed—keep inspiring young people… you’re all amazing!''

Advocates from across Asia-Pacific shared similar stories of growth and empowerment. Jasmine from Chennai likened the experience to a constellation: “Each voice unique, yet stronger and brighter when connected.” Anne, also from Chennai, declared, “We are the hope for a better tomorrow. Our united efforts will make the world safer for generations to come.''

In Nepal, Akriti described how the event helped her discover her inner strength, while Pabitra, from a remote village, found hope in speaking for girls whose voices often go unheard. “No matter where we come from, our voices and dreams can reach the world», a-t-elle déclaré.

The celebration also highlighted the importance of boy allies. Tham from Malaysia and Om from India shared their commitment to advocating for girls’ rights and creating safe spaces. “As a boy, I feel responsible to raise awareness in my community,” Om said.

Advocates like Joanne from Chennai and Diya from Bangalore emphasized the ripple effect of empowerment. «Every small act of kindness can create ripples of change,” Joanne noted, while Diya expressed her desire to expand the initiative to reach a wider audience.

The Philippines’ advocates captured the spirit of the event beautifully. Bea described the movement as a collective awakening, saying, “What began as a mission has now become a movement reshaping our world.” Li added, “Change begins in small acts of courage. Every story, every stand, and every hope matters.''

As the voices of advocates echoed across borders, one message was clear: the fight for equality, safety, and opportunity for girls is far from over. Gloriana from the Philippines summed it up perfectly: “With collective action and shared advocacy, the impossible becomes possible. Let us persist in defending the rights of girls and be the voice for the voiceless.''

The International Day of the Girl 2025 was not just a celebration; it was a call to action, a reminder that every voice matters, and a testament to the power of unity in creating a world where every girl can rise, dream, and lead.