Dhaka, 09.10.2024- Commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, Save the Children in Bangladesh hosted an event today in a hotel in Dhaka. This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” highlights the urgent need for action driven by the voices and visions of girls around the world.  

The event brought together around 40 girls and boys, along with esteemed panelists from Development organizations, the Corporate Sector, Academia, Donors, and Government.  

The key event was a “Girl Talk,” during which five girl children discussed issues that impede girls' future, such as climate change, sexual harassment, child labor, waste management, and air pollution. They also engaged in an open dialogue with the esteemed panelists. 

Zawata Alam, a member of Youth4NDCs, said, “Women and girls are severely affected by the consequences of any disaster and natural calamities. Reuse of wastage, adaptation, and mitigation approaches can be adopted to reduce the consequences of climate change. Girls of my generation should be sensitized about climate change so that we can be aware of the reality, raise our voices, and take a significant part in reducing the consequences of climate change.”  

Tabassum Rahman Nabia, a member of the National Children’s Task Force (NCTF), said, “Child labor is still prevalent in our country. The law and policy are not being implemented effectively. I urge our government to look into these matters. We do not want any more children to suffer due to child labor. ”

This year's celebration focuses on empowering young climate activists advocating for children's rights nationwide. As we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, Save the Children urges all stakeholders to listen to girls' voices and take action to ensure their rights to education, safety, and a future free from the threat of child marriage.  

Mushfiqua Zaman Satiar, Senior Policy Advisor- Gender and Civil Society, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, said, “Half of the world's population are girls and women. No progress made will be effective without their empowerment. On behalf of the Netherlands Embassy, we aspire for the girls to get their education, become financially empowered, and be able to make informed decisions about their own lives.” 

Dilruba Haider, Programme Specialist, Climate Change, DRR, and Humanitarian Action, UN Women, said, “Girls these days have to actively participate in re-creating the old age narrative about themselves. They do not have to be protected by men; rather, they should be able to protect themselves by being educated and financially solvent, and that is when empowerment comes.” 

Reefat Bin Sattar, Deputy Country Director of Save the Children in Bangladesh, said,
"Today’s event connected Save the Children in Bangladesh’s flagship campaign, ‘Girl Talk,’ with this year’s theme for International Day of the Girl Child, ‘Her vision for the future’. Girl Talk promotes amplifying the voices of young girls on the challenges they face the most and supporting them in envisioning solutions, access to essential services, realizing their rights, and unlocking their potential.”