The International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on October 11, is a meaningful occasion that shines a light on the challenges girls face and the importance of empowering them to realise their full potential.

In celebration of this year’s theme, The Girl I Am. The Change I Lead, Unilever, through its Dove brand, joined forces with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to host a special commemoration at Midrand High School in Halfway Gardens on October 17.

Read more: DBE suspends contact sports with immediate effect

Learners from neighbouring schools, including Umqhele Comprehensive School, Ivory Park High, Kaalfontein High, Nokuthula Special School, and Tsosoloso Ya Afrika Secondary School, were also in attendance.

The event celebrated girl empowerment, leadership, and confidence, while calling on communities to challenge stereotypes and support equality for all children.

Likho Bottoman, director of the DBE’s social cohesion and equity directorate, delivered the opening address, urging society to recognise and celebrate girls beyond appearance.

“Together with our partners, we are challenging everyone to go beyond ‘pretty’ and celebrate girls for who they truly are; their personalities, values, achievements, and character,” said Bottoman. “Let’s give girls more reasons to be confident and reclaim their power by changing the compliment.”

Also read: Maths 20 per cent pass mark not true, warns DBE

Bottoman also spoke about the need to address issues such as teenage pregnancy and bullying, while reaffirming the department’s commitment to supporting both girls and boys in education.

“We are not leaving the boy child behind,” he said. “We recently commemorated the International Day of the Boy Child for the first time, recognising the vulnerabilities all young people face. Our approach remains balanced and inclusive.”

He announced that the DBE has dedicated the entire month of October as the International Month of the Girl Child to continue the momentum of awareness and empowerment.

Chuene Ramphele, DBSA group executive, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing education and leadership opportunities for girls. “This year’s theme reminds us that, regardless of age, girls are leaders who can influence and succeed beyond limits.”

As part of the day’s proceedings, the #ChangeTheCompliment campaign was launched, a Dove Self-Esteem Project initiative encouraging society to rethink how it speaks to and about girls. The global campaign has already reached 137m young people in 153 countries, providing free self-esteem and body confidence education.

Pavla Sessions, Unilever Personal Care and Beauty digital lead, elaborated on the campaign’s mission to empower young women to redefine beauty on their own terms.

Although unable to attend in person, Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, delivered a powerful message via live video, reminding attendees of the collective responsibility to nurture and protect girls.

“Wherever a girl stands tall and unafraid, wherever she learns freely and dreams boldly, the soul of our democracy breathes a little easier,” she said. “We gather not merely to observe a date, but to reaffirm that the progress of any nation is measured by the well-being, education, and dignity of its girls.”

Read the Midrand Reporter for more on the day’s highlights.

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!