Following an extensive campaign by Plan, in December 2011 the United Nations formally declared October 11 the International Day of the Girl.
With the support of young people around the world, Plan led the call for a dedicated day in recognition of girls’ rights and accomplishments. This work formed part of our Because I am a Girl campaign, which is helping millions of girls get the education and support they need to move themselves and their communities out of poverty.
Worldwide, girls carry the burden of poverty more than anyone and 66 million girls are currently denied an education. This isn’t fair and it isn’t right.
By recognising girls' rights and valuing the contributions of young women everywhere, this new international day will strengthen Plan's work to ensure more girls receive the education and support they need to fulfil their potential.
Join the Plan to help millions more girls complete their education.
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Raise your Hand – call on the UN to make girls education a priority
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Day of the Girl: Timeline
- September 22, 2009: Plan launches an online petition advocating for a Day of the Girl.
- February 21, 2011: A Plan-supported delegation of girls at the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women persuades Canada’s Minister for the Status of Women, Rona Ambrose, to take up the cause.
- September 2011: 15,000 people sign the online petition to establish a Day of the Girl.
- October 12, 2011: Plan co-hosts a reception with UN diplomats to gain their support. One of Plan’s Because I am a Girl supporters speaks at the event.
- December 19, 2011: The United Nations formally adopts October 11 as the International Day of the Girl.
- September 11, 2012: MP Graeme Morrice tables an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, in support of the International Day of the Girl and Plan's Because I am a Girl campaign.