In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution adopting 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child, recognizing girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls around the world face realizing them.

UNFPA works to protect the health and rights of adolescent girls through access to sexual and reproductive health counselling, information and services; comprehensive sexuality education; and through encouraging girls' empowerment and participation in the decisions that most affect them. UNFPA also works with boys and men to advance gender equality, and to encourage the abandonment of harmful practices and stereotypes.