International Day of the Girl 2023: Festival of the Girl event in London
International Day of the Girl is marking its 11th anniversary this year, and girls in London can celebrate the occasion with the Festival of the Girl.
Unicef says: “This year, at a time when we are seeing a range of movements and actions to curtail girls’ and women’s rights and roll back progress on gender equality, we see particularly harsh impacts on girls.
“From maternal health care and parenting support for adolescent mothers, to digital and life skills training; from comprehensive sexuality education to survivor support services and violence prevention programmes; there is an urgent need for increased attention and resourcing for the key areas that enable girls to realise their rights and achieve their full potential.”
The Festival of the Girl is helping to achieve this goal with a one-day event that gives girls the opportunity to take part in workshops, ranging from aerospace engineering to activism, alongside other girls and teenagers.
It will also touch on topics such as the body, mind, opportunities, feminism, and world issues, with the aim of encouraging girls to realise that being a girl won’t hold them back.
Find out how you can take part in the Festival of the Girl below.
What is International Day of the Girl?
The UN declared October 11 to be International Day of the Girl Child in 2011, and it was first celebrated in 2012.
The day was established “to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world”.
International Day of the Girl Child also “focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights”.
The UN says: “Empowering women and girls and promoting gender equality is crucial to accelerating sustainable development.
“Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, but it also has a multiplier effect across all other development areas.”
What is the Festival of the Girl?
The Festival of the Girl features activities and workshops on a range of subjects, including coding, art, F1 motorsports, gaming, body confidence, music, science, wellbeing, football, and yoga.
The organisers said: “At this year’s festival, we want to show girls what the future holds for them, get them trying something new, having fun, and leaving with a boost of confidence.
“Make sure to join us so that we can ensure all girls are realising their full potential!”
Where and when is the Festival of the Girl?
The festival will take place on Saturday, October 21, at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London.
The morning session begins at 10am and finishes at 1pm, and the afternoon session begins at 1.30pm and ends at 4.30pm.
How much are tickets and where to buy them?
Tickets for the separate morning and afternoon sessions cost £5 for adults, £10 for children aged five to 15, and £5 for children aged three to four. Children aged two and under can enter for free.
A family ticket for two adults and three children costs £30. Be aware that a booking fee will also apply.
Tickets for the Festival of the Girl can be purchased online via Universe.
There is also a pay-what-you-can option for those who would like to attend but cannot afford to go. Email info@festivalofthegirl.com for details.
Or receive a free activity book, although donations are welcomed.