Sweden observes Day of the Girl Child

Within the context of Sweden’s feminist foreign policy, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is taking part in the global #GirlsTakeover campaign. Through this campaign – an initiative of Plan International – girls all over the world will step into a leadership role on 11 October in connection with International Day of the Girl Child.

In 21 countries, Swedish missions abroad have invited girls from the local community to take part in their work for one day. At the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Stockholm, a girl will work alongside Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde on 11 October. On the same day in Stockholm, an international conference on girls’ rights organised by Plan International will also highlight the campaign.

“As a group in society, girls are often doubly discriminated against – on the basis of both sex and age. We must break the pattern and focus on girls’ agency and leadership to ensure their rights and create democratic and sustainable societies,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde.

Swedish missions abroad have conducted or are planning #GirlsTakeover activities in these 21 countries: Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Norway, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Despite discrimination, girls around the world are standing up against outdated traditions, norms and laws. Sweden wants to support them and increase their visibility.

In 2014, Sweden became the first country in the world to launch a feminist foreign policy. The aim is to strengthen rights, representation and resources for all women and girls. This policy is needed. No country has achieved full gender equality, advances are being challenged, and women and girls are still systematically subordinated in every part of the world. Sweden wants to see an end to the injustices, ensure the full enjoyment of human rights for all women and girls, and make girls’ agency and leadership visible. 

 

Swedish Government