people can’t solve a problem they don’t understand

On the 11th of October we celebrate International Day of the Girl, a day dedicated to recognising the needs of adolescent girls and being inspired by their drive for change. With the spread of COVID-19 reinforcing the challenges face by women, this year it is more important than ever to remind ourselves of the demands of adolescent girls; 

• Live free from gender-based violence, harmful practices, and HIV and AIDS 
• Learn new skills towards the futures they choose 
• Lead as a generation of activists accelerating social change 

Celebrating days like this raises awareness for issues that people might not understand, and people cannot be expected to address a problem that they don’t have enough knowledge of. For me, education is the first step in addressing any problem. I want to know about why the problem occurs, what the desired outcome is, and who is involved. This allows me to have empathy for the people experiencing the problem and aids my desire and motivation to solve the problem. 

A great way to get involved in International Day of the Girl is to share the stories of adolescent girls around you and let their dreams be heard. Amplify their voices and support their passions by sharing their instagram post about learning to dance, or joining in on a climate march. You can also share your own story and talk about what matters to you and why you celebrate International Day of the Girl. 

Help create awareness for those that don’t have the power to do so. Remember, people can’t solve a problem they don’t understand.