International Day of the Girl is marked on 11 October annually. Unlike its sister day of observance, International Women’s Day, the significance of the date may pass many by.
It’s a relatively new observance, having been launched by the United Nations in 2012, with the intention of raising awareness that the gender inequality women experience throughout their lifetime begins at birth.
In recent years however, the occasion’s profile has sky rocketed as the women’s movements have pushed the world to shine a brighter spotlight on female activism, both contemporary and historic.
Pioneering action by young girls that has previously flown under the radar or been swept under history's carpet, is being unearthed and celebrated globally.
From finally passing on the story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, the youngest child known to be arrested for protesting during the Civil Rights Movement, to simply sharing the powerful 2018 March for Our Lives speech delivered by mass shooting survivor Emma Gonzalez, International Day of the Girl is the perfect time to reflect on the history-making girls around the globe.
Click through the gallery above to see girls who have fought and continue to fight to make the world a little bit brighter for those who follow them.
