UNFPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Education commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th, 2014. The colourful day was celebrated with a group of students representing ten primary, pre-secondary and secondary schools in Dili and was joined by dignitaries from the government, teachers, students and development partners. Entertaining events aimed at creating awareness along with questions and answers drew a strong participation of students under the theme "Haforsa Hau, Haforte Nasaun." i.e. "Empower me, strong nation."Consultative platforms also marked by keynote speeches reminded the group of the key objective of working jointly to make the world a better place for girls and the continued commitment needed to achieve it.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Knut Ostby, UN Resident Coordinator, lauded the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Pakistan's girls' education advocate Malala Yousafza in recognition of the importance of her struggle to promote the rights of young girls
Mr. Carlito Mota, National Director for School Social Action, Ministry of Education, said he joined "every person in Timor-Leste who believes that adolescent girls should live free of violence and discrimination on the International Day of the Girl Child". He further underscored the right of every girl to a comprehensive sexuality education and reiterated the Ministry's commitment to prevent and address gender based violence. pointing out that action must be taken when nearly one in three Timorese girls have suffered physical or sexual violence.
Mr. John M. Pile, Country Representative of UNFPA, noted that UNFPA will continue to work with partners to uphold the rights of every adolescent girl as changes for the better of girls' lives would mean changing the world and thanked all partners for their efforts to make that happen.
Guest Speaker Ms. Elizabeth Baptista, National Advisor to the Minister of State and the Presidency of the Council of Miniters, concluding the event by driving home the message "Empower a girl and she will change the world, Hakbiit labarik feto ida no nia sei transforma mundu" after which she addressed many questions raised by student representatives.
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution in 2011 that declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child in recognition of girls' rights and the unique challenges they face around the world. Its objective is to support and galvanize global commitments to end gender stereotypes, discrimination, violence, and economic disparities that disproportionately and negatively affect girls.
