Global Compact Commemorates the First International Day of the Girl Child

(New York, 11 October 2012) – On the occasion of the first International Day of the Girl Child, the UN Global Compact recognizes the important role of business in respecting and supporting the rights of women and children. Today, Governments, NGOs and business leaders around the world are joining together to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenge girls face around the world.

To mark this historic day, the UN Global Compact calls on all companies to review the Children’s Rights and Business Principles and the Women’s Empowerment Principles and consider what more they can do to respect and support women's rights and children's rights, including girls:

The Children’s Rights and Business Principles, released this year by the UN Global Compact, UNICEF and Save the Children, call on business to step up their efforts to respect and support children’s rights, in the workplace, marketplace, community and environment. The Principles provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the impacts of business on the rights and well-being of children, emphasizing the importance of education to promote growth as well as recognising that girls and boys may face different risks.

The Women’s Empowerment Principles, developed by the UN Global Compact and UN Women, aim to empower women to participate fully in economic life across all sectors and throughout all levels of economic activity, including the investment in education and training and providing gender-equal opportunities.

Contact

Ursula Wynhoven
wynhoven@un.org