11 October 2012, marks the inaugural International Day of the Girl Child, designated by the United Nations as a day to promote the rights of girls and to address the unique challenges they face.
In South Africa, the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities (DWCPD) supported by the United Nations (UN) will host a dialogue with experts and young girls discussing matters related to teenage pregnancy, Inter- generational sex and early child marriages to commemorate this day.
Girls face discrimination and violence every day across the world. The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.
As part of the global celebration, Archbishop Desmond Tutu will take part in a high-level panel at the United Nations in New York with other senior UN officials and prominent figures. At the global event, this year’s theme focuses on child marriage – a fundamental human rights violation which impacts all aspects of a girl’s life.
South Africa has strong laws and policies that protect the rights of the girl child. There exists, however, some practices that are harmful and violate their rights. “Girls have the right to make decisions regarding their futures and they need to be empowered to understand their rights and be able to use them”, says Minister Lulu Xingwana.
She further encourages us to become active ambassadors for change and success in our girls lives, and that as communities, we must assure them that they are protected against sexual violence and other related injustices.
The event is scheduled to take place as follows:
Date: 11 October 2012
Time: 14h00
Place: Hector Peterson Museum, (8287 Khumalo Str, Orlando West, Soweto-Johannesburg)
For all media related enquiries, kindly contact:
Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities (DWCPD):
Cornelius Monama
Cell: 082 578 4063
E-mail: cornelius@dwcpd.gov.za
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF):
Thierry Delvigne-Jean
Cell: 082 561 3970
E-mail: tdelvignejean@unicef.org
