The United Nations Children’s Fund, known as UNICEF, shared some important information. They said that 75 out of 100 new cases of HIV in teenagers around the world happen in girls.
Celine Lafoucriere, who works for UNICEF in South West Nigeria, talked to the news people about this on the International Day of the Girl in 2024.
This year’s theme is “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” Celine says this is a great theme because it shows that girls are brave even when they have tough times and they dream big for the future.
She also mentioned that a lot more teenage girls, compared to boys, are not going to school or have jobs or any training. It’s almost like for every boy, there are two girls without these opportunities.
She shared that one out of five young women who are now between 20 and 24 years old got married when they were just kids. And, nearly one out of four married teenage girls has suffered from bad things like being hurt or abused.
Even with these problems, girls are doing brave things every day to make a world where they are safe, respected, and given power to make their own choices.
October 11 is very special. It’s a day when everyone celebrates girls and listens to what they have to say. It’s also a day for everyone who supports girls to speak up for their rights.
Celine said, “Being a girl shouldn’t decide what you can do, where you can go, or who you can be. But right now, this is true for many girls all over the world.”
“Many girls don’t have the same chances. They face hard problems that stop them from having what they deserve or dreaming of a better future.”
“But girls can’t make all the changes alone. They need people who care about them to help, like you and me. Together, we can create a world where every girl is protected and respected,” she shared.
Celine also believes that if girls get the right help and chances, they can do amazing things without limits.
When girls reach their dreams, everyone gets closer to making the world a better place.