International Day of the Girl Celebrated in Solomon Islands

By TAVAKE SIMON HANA’AROA

With the theme “Freedom Online” the Plan International Solomon Islands in a celebration that has been dubbed a success commemorated the International Day of the Girl (IDG) in Honiara today.

Held at the Auditorium, National Museum, The IDG is an annual event that that is celebrated around the world every October 11. For Honiara, it is pre celebrated (today October 9th) as the actual day falls on a Sunday.
For this year, the focus is on highlighting the harassment and abuse girls and young women face on social media because it silences girls’ voices and is a barrier to their leadership. The Covid-19 lockdown will have worsened the experience for many.

Today’s program involved Speeches from guests including The British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Dr. Brian Jones, Senior Program Manager, Gender (DFAT) Debbie Sade, reps from the City Council, YWCA, and as well a representative from the Youth Champions including a drama performance played by Dream Cast Drama group which comprises of Tuvarahu youth.

In his speech, Dr. Brian Jones had called for action on how to achieve a more equal environment online and a safer environment for girls and women online.

The Beijing Declaration is the first to specifically call out girls’ rights. On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl (IDG), to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

IDG focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

This article first appeared on Facebook.