WUNRN
The Working Group on Girls - http://girlsrights.org/
NGO Committee Working at the UN
Girls’ Statement
59th Session of the
Commission on the Status of Women
March 2015
The Beijing Platform for Action
outlined eleven comprehensive sections about the problems women face but only
one section about the girl child. Twenty years later, it is time girls are
further addressed, and empowerment put at the forefront. We the girl
delegates of the 59th session of the Commission on the Status of Women demand
that steps be taken to ensure that all girls, regardless of race, religion,
sexual orientation, gender identification, ability, socio-economic status, and
ethnicity, feel empowered.
While
Beijing addressed the issue of girls’ education, more action must be taken. A
high global standard for education is vital to the advancement of society in
the fight for gender equality. With a high quality primary, secondary, and
tertiary education accessible to all, gaps in education around the globe will
be closed. It is imperative that all girls have a secure and productive
learning environment, as well as a safe journey to school. All schools must
adopt a diverse and substantial curriculum that equips all teachers and meets
the needs of all students.
We
demand an accurate and comprehensive sexual education in all learning
environments to ensure that no girl’s sexual health is put at risk. We demand
an education that will prepare us for life after our schooling career, in areas
such as STEM, economics, and politics. When girls are educated, we have the
power to share our knowledge, making a qualitative difference in our communities
and in the world.
Access to comprehensive, non-discriminatory health care is a human
right. Although progress has been made in global health infrastructure,
medical care and facilities still remain inaccessible for many girls,
particularly girls in poverty, with disabilities, and in the LGBTQIA+
community. Regardless of cultural and religious stigma, reproductive and
mental health must be treated as a right, not a privilege.
We demand that girls no longer die unnecessarily in childbirth,
are no longer at a heightened risk of contracting STIs, and no longer suffer
from lack of menstrual supplies. Ignoring girls’ health issues prevents them
from engaging in the public sector.
Gender based violence is still widely practiced through degrading
cultural traditions such as honor killings, female genital mutilation, breast
ironing, and female infanticide. These must be combatted through active leaders
and supportive programs. We demand programs to prevent violence through
education, awareness, and the breakdown of harmful stereotypes and societal
norms, especially in the media.
We demand services and support for girls who have suffered any and
all forms of violence, as well as an end to victim shaming. No girl should fear
being assaulted; empowerment rather than fear should be the force that unites
all.
It
is imperative that girls are fully aware of their rights and their
implications. We call on all men and boys to be our partners in this endeavor.
We demand all girls have the opportunity, tools, and support to reach their
full potential.