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Girls attend a children's club meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Plan is delighted at the United Nations' decision to recognise October 11 as the 'International Day of the Girl Child'.
Plan has led the call for this world day as part of our 'Because I am a Girl' campaign to highlight the unique challenges and issues facing girls in many developing countries.
"Last night's decision by the UN General Assembly sends a clear message that the global community has recognised the importance of ensuring girls around the world are not denied their rights and are given every opportunity to reach their full potential," said Plan International Australia chief executive Ian Wishart.
"In many countries girls get left behind in all areas of life from school to work and many are prevented from fulfiling their true potential by severe discrimination and prejudice.
"For example, a girl in the world's newest country, South Sudan, is more likely to die in childbirth than to go to school. In fact, pregnancy is the leading cause of death for girls between the ages of 15 and 19 in developing countries.
"Yet if the world was to do more to protect the rights of girls and invest in their development, it would make a huge difference not just for them, but for their families, communities and for global prosperity," said Mr Wishart.
"From October 11, 2012, the annual marking of the International Day of the Girl will help raise awareness of this important issue and prompt more action."
Mr Wishart thanked the Australian Government for its support for the adoption of the day.
"The Australian Government is a strong supporter of action on gender issues both at home and in developing countries through the aid program, and is increasingly recognising that girls need a special focus separate from women or children in general," said Mr Wishart.
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Kevin Rudd, welcomed the UN announcement.
"The Australian Government is committed to ensuring the development of girls throughout the world," he said.
"This commitment was cemented by the appointment of a dedicated Global Ambassador for Women and Girls in September this year.
"It is of great significance to girls around the world that the UN has recognised the International Day of the Girl Child."
Mr Wishart also thanked the Canadian Government, which sponsored the proposal for the day at the UN. Canada became involved after Plan brought a delegation of girls and young women to the UN's Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, earlier this year.
Many girls and young women globally have been calling for such a day of recognition for some time.
At the Commission on the Status of Women, Lil Shira, a young woman from Cameroon, said: "Girls are being neglected, marginalised, and discriminated in families and society. Most of the girls are ignorant about their rights. The Day of the Girl will make girls feel respected, recognised and their contributions valued in society."
2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee has been a long-standing supporter of Plan's Day of the Girl campaign. "I think the international day of the girl child would be a great day for the issues of the girl child to be brought to light for media institutions, for government institutions, and for educational institutions to take the time to think," said Ms Gbowee.
"Girls are the future of the world and we definitely need a day dedicated to their issues."
Research has shown that simply being born a girl can leave a child at a huge disadvantage in life. In the poorest societies a girl faces greater risk of malnutrition, hunger and disease compared to her brothers. She will have fewer opportunities for an education and career. In many developing countries 1 out of 7 girls marries before age 15.
Other research has also shown that investing in girls and young women has a disproportionately beneficial effect in alleviating poverty - not only for girls but for their families, communities and entire countries. Girls who spend an extra year at school will on average increase their lifetime income by 10 to 20 per cent.
"Women's empowerment begins with girls' empowerment, and it's not just a women's issue – it's everyone's responsibility." said Mr Wishart. "To break the cycle of gender discrimination we must all work to promote and protect the rights of girls. At the same time we also need to equip them with the skills and opportunities they need to transform
their lives and those of their communities."
To speak to Ian Wishart, contact:
David Cook
Media Officer
Plan International Australia
Mobile: 0448 816 900
Email: David.cook@plan.org.au