International Day of the Girl observances to include virtual rally

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is observing ‘International Day of the Girl 2020’on Sunday with a packed programme, including a virtual rally aimed at empowering the girl child to speak and to stand up for her rights.

In an interview with the DPI, Director of the Gender Affairs Bureau Mr. Adel Lilly said this year’s programme continues the theme started last year to create linkages between partners and stakeholders to equip girls with the resources to occupy their space.  

This year’s theme is, ‘My voice, our equal future – girls breaking barriers’

The Bureau, which falls within the purview of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, will collaborate with the Childcare and Protection Agency and civil society to advance progress for girls through advocacy, communications and public engagement. The Bureau also hosted two design challenges aimed at helping girls to channel their voices through art. Sunday’s virtual rally will be hosted on Zoom and streamed on television, radio and other social media platforms.

The programme will include cultural items and feature the sharing of stories of girls and young women who broke barriers. It will culminate in an interactive session, led by Minister, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud and young girls drawn from across the country. Systems are also in place to ensure that girls in rural areas and those living with disabilities are included in the programme.

The observance is in keeping with Guyana’s overall objective to realise the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Five to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.