Res. No. 1649
Resolution recognizing October 11 as the "Day of the Girl Child" in New York City.
By Council Members Koppell, Chin, Ferreras, Gennaro, James, Koo, Rose, Wills, Rodriguez and Brewer
Whereas, Equality and universal access to education for every girl and boy are among the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals supported by 189 countries, including the United States; and
Whereas, According to the United Nations, many children in developing countries start life without adequate means of nutrition, learning, and protection,` but girls face particular challenges; and
Whereas, The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has stated that "girls face discrimination, violence and abuse every day across the world;" and
Whereas, On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11, 2012 as the first International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls' rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world; and
Whereas, The term "girl child" is commonly used to distinguish those under age 18 from other young women; and
Whereas, The first International Day of the Girl Child focused on child marriage by highlighting that every year, 10 million girls under the age of 18 become child brides, many of whom are under the age of 16, which increases their risk of being abused and having an early or unwanted pregnancy; and
Whereas, Studies show that education can delay and even prevent child marriage and increase girls' chance of success; and
Whereas, Worldwide, girls face more barriers to education and often complete less schooling than male counterparts; and
Whereas, According to the National Women's Law Center, one in four girls in America does not finish high school, and the dropout rate is even higher for girls of color; and
Whereas, The Day of the Girl Child highlights the worldwide injustices confronted by girls, including in the United States; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes October 11 as the "Day of the Girl Child in New York City".
LS 4160
JP
1/23/13