Yesterday was the first official "International Day of the Girl" focused on uniting and inspiring women and young girls to be active in their communities, schools and understand that their lives are valuable. That they hold the key to growth and empowerment for themselves, their communities and society in general.
Introduced by the United Nations and supported by Plan Canada, this day is devoted to inspirational talks and strong "Girl power" motifs, ideally through classrooms around the world. While I support all causes aiming to change perspectives on the role of women and enlighten those who think to deny basic human rights, I can't help but be cynical and downright confused about the purpose. What IS the point in focusing an entire day to this matter when the "real" people in need of such inspiration and motivation have little to no access to the information. This entire campaign was promoted through social media, television, radio etc. and let's get real those messages are not being heard in 3rd world and developing nations. It would have been moe effective to NOT waste money on letting us know that TODAY we could celebrate being a female and send aid, winter + school supplies to those very "change makers".
In some aspects I see and encourage this campaign, for example, the hypersexualization of todays youth, both male and female, through "trusted" media and networking outlets. When I was 12 I could barely utter the word "sex" never mind actually HAVE it. Now, I'm not judging anyone, because we have our own paths in life and we are truly free to follow them, however I cannot get passed the realization that the media is doing nothing but edging on behaviour that's UNHEALTHY, never mind "frowned upon". We need to continue encouraging youth that they are people, not objects and it's okay to wait because believe it or not, your vagina doesn't self combust...seriously, true story. Truthfully, how can this campaign even make a dent in the minds of girls/women in North America when we have shows like "Here comes Honey BooBoo", "Toddlers in tiaras", "Jersey Shore" and musicians like Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha, telling us that inorder to be fulfilled you must focus on beauty, men and being sexed up...it's too much work! I for one, GIVE UP!
Also, please let's all remember that we can't blame the media for all of this, it's parents, classmates, society...but aren't THEY all influenced by the media? Whatever, it's just an endless circle of self doubt...who know's if we'll ever get out. Probs not...
If you would like to learn more about the campaign, feel free to click the link below!!
International Day of the Girl
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