European Week of Action for Girls

European Week of Action for Girls: Raise your hand for girls

WHAT? European Week of Action for Girls. A week of events and activities focusing on girls’ rights, to celebrate the first ever International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October 2012.

WHEN? 08-12 October 2012

WHY? On 11 October, the first ever International Day of the Girl Child will be celebrated worldwide. The European Week of Action for Girls has been organised to coincide with this day, which is moment to focus on the particular challenges, and opportunities, that come with being born a girl in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Girls face multiple challenges in realising their rights. Young and female, they struggle against the double discrimination which sees them stranded at the bottom of the social ladder. At every stage of life, they will have fewer opportunities than their male counterparts.

They are more likely to be forced out of school, to be subject to violence and have their sexual rights controlled by others. They may be forced into marriage early, before they are ready, be subjected to harmful traditional, cultural or religious practices, or denied access to healthcare.

The European Week of Action for Girls calls for the European Union, and international community at large, to take decisive action to overcome these barriers, which prevent girls from achieving their potential.

WHO? Organised by Plan EU Office under the patronage of the President of the European Parliament and in partnership with United Nations Brussels.

Supported by the following organisations working with girls and youth in Europe and developing countries

Working with the International Disability and Development Consortium, we have produced documents which are accessible to people with disabilities, including a word version of the Girls’ Rights Gazette.