On October 10, 2025, the United Nations opened its doors for a landmark event: the International Day of the Girl Child: Girls Speak Out. Held in connection with the global commemoration on October 11, this gathering was far more than a symbolic celebration. It was a bold and urgent policy intervention where girls from around the globe took the microphone—not as guests, but as the primary leaders and advocates for their own futures.
In a world where political tensions, escalating conflicts, and systemic inequalities continue to threaten the rights of young people, the 2025 Girls Speak Out served as a critical platform for demanding accountability from those in power.
A Theme of Action: “We Are Here”
This year’s event carried a defiant and empowering theme: “We Are Here: Bold, Diverse, and Unstoppable – Demanding Action for Girls’ Rights.” The program featured a dynamic, intergenerational dialogue between girl leaders, UN Member States, and global agencies. Rather than just sharing stories, these advocates used their lived realities to drive a strategic conversation on global policy.
Key highlights of the dialogue included:
- Agents of Peace: Girls shared firsthand accounts of claiming their roles as protectors and peacebuilders in regions affected by conflict.
- Defying Marginalization: Speakers addressed the challenges of digital exclusion, harmful practices, and the shrinking civic spaces that limit their potential.
- Commitment to Accountability: The heart of the event was a call for Member States to move beyond rhetoric and make concrete commitments that respond directly to the priorities girls have articulated.
Collaborative Advocacy and Leadership
The success of the 2025 Girls Speak Out was made possible through the dedicated efforts of civil society organizations working in tandem with the Working Group on Girls.
VIVAT International was a proud co-sponsor of this vital event. Marides Santos, VIVAT’s representative at the United Nations, attended the proceedings, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to bridging the gap between grassroots experiences and international policy-making. Her participation, alongside other NGOs, underscored the importance of civil society’s voices in championing the dignity and rights of the girl child.
The Urgency of Now
The 2025 Girls Speak Out took place against a backdrop of global urgency. Across the world, girls are facing severe rollbacks in education rights, rising gender-based violence, and deepening inequalities intensified by climate change.
In a political climate where human rights commitments are too often delayed or ignored, this event reminded the international community that the voices of girls cannot be postponed. It was a day where storytelling became strategy, and where the demands of the youth were placed front and center on the global stage.
Continuing the Momentum
The energy of the Girls Speak Out remains a call to action for us all. We invite you to stand in solidarity with girls everywhere. By listening to their stories and supporting their demands, we help ensure that when girls speak, the world is forced to respond.
Together, we are unstoppable!
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