30 Years of Empowering the Future
Celebrating Successes in Women and Girl Child Empowerment on the International Day of the Girl Child
By: Ntsiki Khunju
On October 11th, the world unites in celebration of The International Day of the Girl Child, a day that honors the strength, resilience, and recognition of the potential of girls globally. As South Africa commemorates 30 years of democracy, we reflect on the country’s efforts to empower young girls and women, marking an era of profound transformation. We reflect on the progress made in the journey toward gender equality- celebrating the triumphs achieved together, acknowledging the struggles we still experience, and holding on to the unwavering hope we all have that collaboratively we can conquer and tell an inspiring tale of the human spirit and collective courage.
For years, movements around the globe have fought tirelessly to give girls the opportunities they deserve, and on this important day, we celebrate their progress. At the same time, the article implores you—individuals, families, and communities—to recognize the significance of these efforts and continue working toward a future where no girl is left behind.
Legal Reforms and Policy Changes: The Backbone of Progress
Over the years, legal reforms and policy changes have become powerful instruments in transforming the lives of girls. Across many countries, new laws have been implemented to protect girls from harmful practices such as child marriages, gender-based violence, and human trafficking. Through the implementation of Section 28 of the Bill of Rights, children in South Africa are protected, by law, from maltreatment, neglect, and abuse. These reforms have provided girls with a platform to seek justice and protect their fundamental human rights.
International frameworks like the Beijing Declaration and Convention on the Rights of the Child have played a massive role in influencing similar national policies, propelling global governments to uphold gender equality. These changes demonstrate that with the right laws in place, we can change cultures, empower young girls to break cycles of oppression and ignite hope for a better tomorrow.
Education and Access: Unlocking the Power of Knowledge
The foundation of every girl child’s empowerment is education. Globally, there has been a significant increase in the number of girls attending school and gaining access to quality education. However, challenges such as poverty, cultural stigma, and unsafe learning environments still persist, holding some girls back from reaching their dreams. The South African government has prioritized education for girls through several initiatives such as free basic education and the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which provides meals to learners, boosting attendance and performance, and the Education Plus initiative, an Africa-wide joint advocacy initiative to expand access to secondary education for all young people and to advance adolescent girls’ and young women’s health, education and rights in sub-Saharan Africa. In marginalized communities, scholarships have also helped increase access to education. Consequently, over 96% of girls complete primary education and a significant percentage move on to tertiary institutions. By 2021, women in SA accounted for over 62% of higher education and training graduates. This access to education is imperative for empowering girls, reducing teenage pregnancies, and enabling them to contribute positively to economic participation in the workplace, fostering national growth, and promoting gender equity. Additionally, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) has been introduced to address teenage pregnancies and promote informed sexual and reproductive health choices among young learners.
However, there is still work to be done. Addressing menstrual health stigma, tackling mental health challenges, and ensuring access to safe healthcare environments are essential in ensuring girls can grow up healthy, strong, and empowered to make choices about their bodies. Economic empowerment has been a critical pillar of advancing gender equality. Thirty years of collective action have shown that when women and girls gain access to financial opportunities, their capacity to shape their futures grows exponentially. Microfinance initiatives, entrepreneurial training programs, and job placement services have provided women and girls with the tools to uplift themselves and their families out of positions of being underprivileged.
Economic empowerment is about more than just financial freedom, it gives girls the confidence to claim their space in society and exercise their autonomy. By creating pathways for financial independence, we are crafting a future where girls are not just participants but leaders in the global economy and prevent themselves from being in positions to be victims of gender-based violence.
Voices of Change: Young Leaders Shaping the Future
Across the globe, girls are not just beneficiaries of empowerment initiatives; they are trailblazers, challenging norms, advocating for their rights, and leading grassroots movements.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, we celebrate not only the successes of the past but the ongoing fight for a just and equal world. Every story of progress, no matter how small, represents a victory for humanity. The celebration does not end today. Every one of us has a role in ensuring that the next generation of girls thrives. Whether through advocacy, supporting education initiatives, or simply empowering the girls in our own communities, we must keep moving forward. The fight for gender equality is far from over, but together, we can create a world where every girl feels seen, heard, and capable of achieving her dreams.
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Resources:
Beijing Declaration: https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/pdf/BDPfA%20E.pdf
Convention of the Rights of a Child: https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child
SA Basic Education: https://www.education.gov.za/ArchivedDocuments/ArchivedArticles/FreeBasicEducation0617.aspx
National School Nutrition Program:/ https://www.gov.za/faq/education/what-national-school-nutrition-programme-nsnp
Education Plus: https://southafrica.un.org/en/181196-south-africa-leads-successful-launch-education-plus-initiative
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About the author:
Ntsiki Khunju is a passionate writer, child protection advocate, and women’s rights activist. As a dedicated contributor to Activate! Change Drivers, Ntsiki uses the power of words to spark vital conversations, drive positive change, and empower communities. With a deep commitment to advocacy, she plays a pivotal role in protecting children and advancing the rights of women through her work. She is devoted to using her writing to inform, educate, and inspire, helping to foster a more just and equitable society.
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