International Day of the Girl Child: Investing in Girls’ Rights for Leadership and Well-being As a father, I am passionate about investing in not just my daughter’s but every other girls’ rights. I believe that girls are integral parts of the future, and that when we invest in them, we invest in a better world for all. This year’s theme for International Day of the Girl Child is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.” This theme is particularly important in today’s world, where girls face many challenges, including discrimination, violence, wrong social engineering and poverty. Despite these challenges, girls are resilient and resourceful, it is in their DNA I believe. They are leaders, innovators, and changemakers. When girls have the opportunity to reach their full potential, they can create a more just and equitable world for all. Supporting Girls’ Education Education is the key to unlocking girls’ potential. When girls are educated, they are more likely to be employed, earn a good income, and live healthier lives. Education equips girls with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their dreams, contribute to society, and break the cycle of poverty. It empowers them to make informed decisions about their lives, health, and future. As the Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai once said, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” By investing in girls’ education, we invest in a brighter, more prosperous future for all. Protecting Girls from Violence Girls are disproportionately affected by violence, both at home and in public. This issue is a grave concern that demands our attention and action. Creating safe spaces for girls and ensuring they have access to justice is vital. No girl should live in fear, and every girl should have the right to grow up in a world where her safety is a top priority. As Michelle Obama aptly put it, “No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.” By protecting girls from violence, we not only ensure their well-being but also build a society where respect and dignity are extended to all, regardless of gender. Empowering Girls to Lead Girls need to see themselves reflected in leadership positions. We must create opportunities for girls to develop their leadership skills and be heard and valued. When we empower girls to lead, we foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Girls are natural leaders, and their perspectives, ideas, and experiences can drive positive change. As former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright noted, “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” By encouraging girls to take on leadership roles, we enable them to influence policies, advocate for their rights, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. From a Father’s Perspective As a father, I am especially motivated to invest in girls’ rights because I want my daughter to have the same opportunities as any boy. I want her to grow up in a world where she is respected and valued for who she is, and where she can achieve her full potential. My commitment to this cause is unwavering because I know that investing in girls’ rights is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do. When girls are educated and empowered, they are more likely to contribute to their families, communities, and economies. They become architects of their own destinies and agents of change. Girls can shape the world in remarkable ways, and it’s our responsibility to provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed. On this International Day of the Girl Child, I encourage everyone to join me in investing in girls’ rights. Let’s create a better world for all, starting with our girls. Let’s celebrate their potential, protect their rights, and empower them to lead us towards a brighter future. Together, we can build a world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive and reach her full potential. This Piece was written by Adebayo A. Samuel @bayodaish (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook)