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.

This year, the International Day of the Girl Child draws attention to the roughly 600 million adolescent girls who will enter the workforce in the next decade. More than 90% of those living in developing countries will enter the informal sector, where low or no pay, abuse and exploitation are common. Learn more here.