Last week marked the second International Day of the Girl. This day, declared by the United Nations to be October 11th, calls attention to the inequalities and atrocities committed against our sex daily around the world. Gatherings, large and small, were held in honor of girls everywhere and the committed individuals who strive for the equality of humanity. One particular event that I attended, Hope Shines, was a small gathering after sunset on October 11th to offer up prayers and hope for girls around the world yet to experience freedom and equality. Candles were held to symbolize the hope that all girls will one day see equality and feel cherished for the potential they have. This event was hosted by an organization called She is Safe, which “works to prevent, rescue and restore women and girls from abuse and exploitation in high risk places around the world, equipping them to build a life of freedom, faith and a strong future.” So far, in the mid-year report, hundreds of women have been rescued and restored through their programs. In Nepal alone, 657 girls were intercepted from being trafficked.
The inequalities and brutalities against women are diverse and widespread, from gender-based violence, human trafficking, and rape culture, to denial of education, female mutilation and child marriage. While the press is beginning to cover these important issues and more and more people are becoming aware of the curse resting on our “civilized” world, we all should do our part to make sure that we are not only informed, but also to do what we can to help as well as to inform others. Here are some ideas for making sure next year’s International Day of the Girl sees greater change.
1) Get informed: Visit sites like sheissafe.org, girlrising.com, or polarisproject.org. Research the problem, and find the facet of the issue that you are most passionate about. Research organizations that fight for your cause.
2) Host an International Day of the Girl Party: Sure, it’s a year away, but this means you can go all out with planning! Host a small prayer meeting, or a huge fundraiser, an informational meeting, a public demonstration, or a screening of Girl Rising, Nefarious: Merchant of Souls, or another gripping informational film (don’t forget the tissues).
3) Get plugged in with an organization: Volunteer with an organization where you can make a difference. Whether it’s an organization like SIS, a pregnancy center, a school, or a boys and girls club, find a way to get involved in creating equality for girls here as well as abroad. Being informed means nothing if you do nothing about it. If you don’t have time to donate, donate your money. Research your organization well and remember that you may think that you are a “poor” college student, but the fact that you own any money and have the free will to do with it as you please, or even the fact that you have the opportunity to be at college means that you are extremely privileged. What is the point of this privilege if we don’t use it to help those who aren’t?
4) Make this issue important: The fates of girls are not only negatively affecting the morals of the world, but also the economy and health. Educated girls make sure their children are educated, which creates a higher chance for them to escape poverty and trafficking. The more you move into action and tell people about this issue, the more others will follow suit.
5) Stay hopeful! Change is always possible.