Every October 11th since 2011, the United Nations has been celebrating “International Day of the Girl Child,” also known as the International Day of the Girl. The global movement was inspired by the “Because I Am a Girl” campaign from Plan International, which aims “to help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.”
The organization’s work benefits girls all over the world, whether it’s the U.S. — where girls don’t grow up to become CEOs or political figures at the same rate as boys do — or in developing countries, where girls face even more fundamental problems such as lack of education and the prevalence of child marriage. The ALEX AND ANI Because I Am a Girl Charm Bangle, part of our CHARITY BY DESIGN Collection, supports Plan International’s movement to lift four million girls in the developing world out of poverty.
However, no matter where a girl may live, we must invest in their future, whether financially or through our actions. Here are some creative ways to celebrate the amazing potential of girls on October 11th and throughout the year.
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Be an informal educator. Teaching can be as simple as lending an ear to the young girls in your life — your daughters, nieces, and little sisters. Growing up is hard work, but with you to guide these precious girls, they’ll grow into informed, confident women. And keep in mind, education goes beyond reading and writing, science and math — a comprehensive sex education and financial literacy are also cornerstones of female independence.
Model healthy habits. Encourage the girls and women you love to find physical activities they love so that they can keep their bodies as strong as their minds. Gift the girl in your life with a Daisy Charm Bangle benefiting UNICEF to remind her to take pride in her personal health and head into nature whenever she can.
Show your appreciation. When nurtured and supported, girls grow into strong women who in turn raise fierce, conscious, powerful daughters of their own. Take time this month to share a lunch date with your mom and let her how she’s positively impacted your journey. The Mom and Daughter Infinite Connection Set of 2 is also a wonderful way to celebrate your mother-daughter bond.
Unite to make an impact. Gather your own tribe of powerful women and together, devote an afternoon to volunteer work that benefits girls in your own community or elsewhere. Cap off a rewarding day of giving to others with a night of wine and conversation.
Expect the world. Just decades ago, women in the U.S. weren’t allowed to vote or choose their own careers. Much has changed, but some things have not — disadvantages persist in our own country and abroad. Channel Wonder Woman and support the dreams and goals of every woman in your life, defending humanity with a fierce and gracious heart. Honor the superheroes in your life with the latest additions to our Wonder Woman Collection — an homage to feminine power.
Written by Shannon O’Donnell
