International Day of the Girl Child
Girls who stay in school change the world. Remove every barrier in their way.
About
The International Day of the Girl Child on October 11 focuses on the specific challenges girls face around the world and advocates for their rights and empowerment. Girls face unique barriers: child marriage, school dropout due to period poverty or lack of safe toilets, gender-based violence, barriers to STEM education, lack of representation in politics and leadership. In many countries, girls' access to education drops sharply in secondary school — and when girls leave school early, cycles of poverty, early marriage, and limited opportunity are reinforced across generations. Education is the most powerful lever: an educated girl is more likely to delay marriage, have fewer and healthier children, earn more, and contribute more to her community and economy. The day celebrates girls' achievements and resilience while demanding that governments, schools, communities, and families remove every barrier standing between a girl and her future.
History
The United Nations established the International Day of the Girl Child on December 19, 2011, through UN General Assembly Resolution 66/170, and it was first observed on October 11, 2012. The initiative was championed by Plan International as part of its 'Because I Am a Girl' campaign. October 11 was also the date of the first gathering of the Girls Summit in 2012.
Where It's Observed
Cultural Context
US United States
In the US, the day highlights persistent gender gaps in STEM, the gender pay gap, and the disproportionate impact on girls of colour of systemic inequality. Organisations like Girl Scouts, Girls Who Code, and Girls Inc. run major programming on this date.
KR South Korea
South Korea has made significant progress on gender equality in education but continues to face challenges in workplace parity and political representation. The International Day of the Girl Child is used by Korean feminist organisations to address the pressures girls face around academic performance, appearance, and career expectations.
JP Japan
Japan's gender inequality remains significant in global rankings, and the day is used to address the cultural pressures on Japanese girls: the narrow expectations around appearance, behaviour, and career paths, and the underrepresentation of women in politics and corporate leadership.
How to Participate
- 01Support a girl's education through a scholarship or sponsorship programme
- 02Mentor a girl in your network — share your skills, experience, and encouragement
- 03Learn about period poverty and donate supplies or funds to tackle it
- 04Advocate for gender-responsive school policies in your community
Frequently asked questions
When is International Day of the Girl Child?+
International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11. The date is fixed each year — October 11 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is International Day of the Girl Child?+
The International Day of the Girl Child on October 11 focuses on the specific challenges girls face around the world and advocates for their rights and empowerment. Girls face unique barriers: child marriage, school dropout due to period poverty or lack of safe toilets, gender-based violence, barrie…
Is International Day of the Girl Child a public holiday?+
International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in International Day of the Girl Child?+
Support a girl's education through a scholarship or sponsorship programme Mentor a girl in your network — share your skills, experience, and encouragement Learn about period poverty and donate supplies or funds to tackle it These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe International Day of the Girl Child?+
Global — United Nations initiative.
Mark the date
Download a free printable calendar for 2026 and never miss International Day of the Girl Child.
US United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
KR South Korea
JP Japan