Melissa Parke (Fremantle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, 11 October, we celebrate for the first time the International Day of the Girl Child. This day represents an important step forward in promoting the rights of girls, highlighting gender inequality and addressing the various forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by girls around the world. The terrible news this week of the shooting by the Taliban of 14-year-old Malala Yousufzai in Pakistan for advocating education for girls shows why such a day is necessary.

The recognition by the United Nations General Assembly of the International Day of the Girl Child is a significant achievement by Plan International, among others, which has been a strong and passionate advocate for this cause. Yesterday the International Day of the Girl Child was celebrated at an event in Parliament House hosted by Plan, the Australian Council for International Development and the United Nations Information Centre and attended by the Prime Minister and many parliamentary colleagues and members of the diplomatic community.

Millions of girls are getting left behind. Statistics show that girls are less likely to complete school and gain meaningful employment, and are more likely to experience rape or other forms of sexual violence, as well as being subjected to forced and early marriage. We know that reducing gender inequality and empowering girls and women is the fastest way to lift countries out of poverty. The Australian government through our aid program will continue to work with girls, communities and governments around the world to improve the lives of the most vulnerable. Today, we celebrate the inaugural International Day of the Girl Child.