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. This year’s International Day of the Girl (IDG) on October 11 marks the beginning of a year-long effort to spur global attention and action to the challenges and opportunities girls face before, during, and after crises.

Since 2012, October 11 has marked the International Day of the Girl (IDG). The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

To achieve gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals, UNICEF and partners recognize that it is essential to support and invest in girls by transforming the risks and deprivations they face – from preventing and responding to gender-based violence to advancing adolescent girls’ secondary education – into pathways towards a better life.