International Day spotlights challenges and opportunities facing girls

The challenges and opportunities facing girls worldwide are being highlighted by various UN agencies this Wednesday, the International Day of the Girl Child.

It has been celebrated since 2012, and this year the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is focusing on girls caught in crises and emergencies.

"The world's 1.1 billion girls are a source of power, energy, and creativity – and the millions of girls in emergencies are no exception," the agency said.

Meanwhile, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is shining the spotlight on five girls who have spoken out about issues affecting them and their peers, such as child marriage, early pregnancy, poverty and access to education.

For example, Hillary from Costa Rica became a mother at just 16, an experience she said robs girls of their childhood.

Now 18, she has finished school and is a youth counsellor and advocate who teaches other young girls about their rights.

UN Radio/ GBCONLINE
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