International Day of the Girl 2024: United we stand 

International Day of the Girl 2024: United we stand 

International Day of the Girl 2024: United we stand 

International Day of the Girl 2024: United we stand 

International Day of the Girl 2024: United we stand 

International Day of the Girl 2024: United we stand 

SHARE

By Sashi Natarajan, Chairperson of GSAP Educators Committee, Circle of Asia Pacific

Girl advocates from Good Shepherd schools and services across Asia Pacific came together to share their powerful voices in unison, all resounding the message of hope and newness, to celebrate the International Day of the Girl (IDG) 2024.

The 11 days of action were accompanied by sacred time for each day, with specially prepared prayers by Good Shepherd sisters in Singapore.

The special event on October 5 featuring girls and boys from the schools and services stretched beyond borders to host the event “Barbie’s New Horizons – Breaking Barriers, Building Futures” in line with the theme of this year’s IDG: Girls’ vision for the future.

During this time, the avid advocates listened to each others’ stories of resilience, celebrated successes, discussed challenges, and above all, created a safe space in solidarity with their allies, the boys, to view her vision through her telescope.

This program had interesting segments to engage the audience, such as ‘Good Shepherd Talks’ – an interesting talk show highlighting the girls’ vision for the future mindful of their local realities. Sr Winifred Doherty, former NGO main representative of the Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace Office at the UN, was the youngest Barbie in the midst of the fiery advocates, which included a voice from Ecuador too!

‘Good Shepherd’s Got Talent’ was yet another segment where the girls shared their advocacy through their talents in poetry, music, dance, or oratory. The stories were evocative and brave, and included voices from Kenya too.

The highlight of the event was the theme song which brought together all the voices of the girls and boys from the schools and services. In a spirit of solidarity, this theme song now echoes throughout all the Units.

Kudos to the girl advocates who led the event – and the mentors who held the space – from India, Nepal, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Singapore, Indonesia, Kenya, and Ecuador.

A big shout out to the collaborative effort of the Good Shepherd Justice and Peace Office, Good Shepherd International Foundation and Good Shepherd Asia Pacific Educators Committee!

Watch the event on here:

Many thanks and appreciation to the Unit leaders whose indelible support continues to open new pathways!

EN  /  FR  /  ES

our global presence

Africa and Middle East

Kenya, Congo, South Sudan, Uganda

Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion

Senegal, Burkina Faso 

Europe

Belgium, France, Hungary, Netherlands

Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain

Latin America

Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Honduras

Brazil, Paraguay