On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly declared today, 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

Speaker of Council in the City of Joburg joins the call to wish all girls a Happy International day of the girl child.

In the last few years in Joburg we have seen how girl children have become vulnerable and exposed to crime, violence, poverty and inequality. We have also seen the high rise of teenage pregnancy.  it is important that as parents and adults we see the lives of the young girls improve.

"I want to urge the society that we all have to do what we can to help, support and protect young girls. We could no longer turn a blind eye to the issues they face on a daily basis," said Cllr Molwele.

'We have also seen young girls rise in the academic, corporate sectors and some in government, many of these young girls have gone against all the odds. They are educated and have big responsibilities in the their chosen careers and in educational institutions.  I wish them well and would like to encourage them to pull others up, and mentor other young girls' said Cllr Molwele.

Statement ends.

Issued by the City of Johannesburg

Spokesperson for the Speaker of Council: Sipho Masigo, 060 504 9586
For all media queries, please send an email to siphomasi@joburg.org.za

11/10/2021