BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) — October 11 marks International Day of the Girl Child. This special day celebrates the importance, power, and potential of girls around the world. It is a day to highlight girls' needs and the particular challenges they face, and drive efforts that meet these needs and fulfill their rights.

In 1995 at the World Conference on Women in Beijing, countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action — the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing the rights of women and girls.

On December 19, 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls' rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

Women and girls are disproportionately affected in times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the existing inequalities and discrimination that girls face in the context of this pandemic.

The theme for this year is "My Voice, Our Equal Future". As we commemorate International Day of the Girl Child, let's seize the opportunity to recognize the needs for empowering women and girls, promoting gender equality, and addressing the particular vulnerability that girls and women face in the COVID-19 crisis.

(Source: Xinhua)