International Day of the Girl

Since 2012, October 11 has been marked as the International Day of the Girl. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges that girls face while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. 

​

This year’s theme was “GirlForce: Unscripted and Unstoppable.” The theme celebrated the accomplishments of girls and the lead movements on issues regarding their education, child marriage, and reproductive health rights.

​

To recognize this important day, Middle School Student Voices led an assembly for Middle School and Upper School students. The assembly focused on gender inequality in Hollywood. Students watched trailers of the movies Frozen 2, the live-action Mulan, and Greta Gerwig’s portrayal of Little Women, all movies directed by women. 

​

Students also had a chance to honor their own peers who have done something impactful. From helping other students carry backpacks to always giving everyone a smile and compliment, these students were highlighted on the Student Life wall located in the Main Hall. In addition, bulletin boards were put around campus, and students were invited to write on Post-It Notes to celebrate girls who have empowered others.

​

“I am so glad Westridge gave us an opportunity to recognize the powerful positions women are holding today,” said Lilah R. ’25, a seventh-grader at Westridge. Unlike many neighboring schools, Westridge honored and celebrated International Day of the Girl and many students, like Lilah, were thrilled to learn more about it.

​

“It is a nice reminder to know that I appreciate my friends and classmates,” said Ella B. ’25. Ella believes that Day of the Girl is a great time to remind people about the powerful things girls do.

​

International Day of the Girl is a time we can all take to honor and recognize empowering girls in our lives who are standing up for the rights of others and making a difference.