Stephanie Shillinglaw, Jelena Hrnjak, Dejana Stosic and H.E. Mr. Edward Ferguson. Ambassador to Serbia

International Day of the Girl: What Kind of World Are We Leaving Behind for Them?

Every year, on October 11, we observe the International Day of the Girl – an opportunity to raise awareness about the status and rights of girls worldwide. While conversations about empowering girls grow louder yearly, the reality often remains unchanged. According to UNICEF, 119.3 million girls are out of school, and one in four girls has experienced abuse from a partner.

This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” calls on us to recognise the strength, potential, and abilities of more than 1.1 billion girls worldwide. Investing in their education, offering them leadership opportunities, and protecting their human rights is vital because empowering girls means empowering societies.

Unfortunately, the challenges girls face are vast – from inequality and discrimination to violence and early marriages. It is estimated that by 2030, 9 million girls will be forced into marriage, while 90% of girls in low-income countries lack access to the internet. In Serbia, data from the NGO Atina, which has been working for 21 years to protect victims of human trafficking, shows that since 2012, over 75% of identified trafficking victims have been women and girls, with more than 50% of cases involving sexual exploitation. These figures highlight that girls are the most vulnerable group when we talk about violence and human trafficking.

Despite these obstacles, girls worldwide have a vision for a brighter future. Their inspiring strength gives hope that, with the proper support, we can build a more just and safe world. By investing in education, we create opportunities for them to realise their dreams, utilising their potential to make society a better place for everyone.

On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl, Edward Ferguson, the British Ambassador to Belgrade, emphasised the importance of collective efforts to build a society free of violence, where girls have equal opportunities for education and career aspirations. “The British Embassy, in collaboration with dedicated individuals and organisations, including the Jelena Šantić Foundation and the NGO Atina, supports activities to create a better future for women and girls,” Ferguson said. Dejana Stošić, a human rights educator and activist committed to fighting gender-based violence, particularly sexual violence, played a crucial role in marking this day. She and the Ambassador addressed gender equality issues and necessary legislative changes in Serbia.

The International Day of the Girl reminds us that every girl deserves the opportunity to shape her future. Our collective efforts can contribute to realising this vision, creating a world where every girl can dream big and achieve those dreams.