Title
To recognize and celebrate October 11, 2019 as the International Day of the Girl in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, the concept of the International Day of the Girl first began as a part of the World Conference on Women in Beijing, China which was held in 1995 - this conference was the catalyst of change as it allowed countries to unanimously adopt the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action which at the time was the most progressive blueprint for advancing the rights of women and girls in the world as it specifically called out the rights of girls; and
WHEREAS, The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 on December 19, 2011 declaring October 11th as the International Day of the Girl recognizing the rights of girls and the unique challenges facing girls around the world; and
WHEREAS, The International Day of the Girl focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face by promoting the empowerment of girls and the fulfilment of their human rights - Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women - it is believed that with effective support during the adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world - both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders - this investment in realizing the power of adolescent girls upholds their rights and promises a more equitable and prosperous future, one in which half of humanity is an equal partner to solving the problems of climate change, political conflict, economic growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability; and
WHEREAS, the theme for the 2019 International Day of the Girl will be “Girl Force: Unscripted and Unstoppable - a Platform of Action with nine indicators and action items for girls which include: eliminating all forms of discrimination against girls; eliminating negative cultural attitudes and practices against girls; promoting and protecting the rights of girls and increasing awareness regarding their needs and potential; eliminating discrimination against girls in education, skills development and training; eliminating discrimination against girls in health and nutrition; eliminating the economic exploitation of child labor and protecting young girls at work; eradicating violence against girls; promoting awareness for girls with respect to their participation in social, economic and political life; and strengthening the role of the family in improving the status of girls; and
WHEREAS, The 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development which was adopted by world leaders in 2015 - adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); embodying a sustainable roadmap for progress, aspiring to leave no one behind - achieving gender equality and empowerment for women, which is integral to true justice, inclusion, and sustainability - these goals will create a shared healthy environment for future generations; and
WHEREAS, “Girl Force: Unscripted and Unstoppable," International Day of the Girl will celebrate and commemorate the achievements by, with, and for girls since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action which was the first effort recognizing the rights of women and girls as human rights; and
WHEREAS, Girls continue to break through boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including barriers directed at children with disabilities and girls from marginalized communities - proving that girls can become entrepreneurs, innovators, and initiators of global movements, creating a world that is relevant for them and girls for future generations, now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize the theme “Girl Force: Unscripted and Unstoppable,” and celebrate October 11, 2019 as the International Day of the Girl in the City of Columbus.