12 October - A commemorative event to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child was organised in Abyei on 11 October. Local leaders and partners stressed the urgent need to double efforts to support girls' education, empower girls to take up leadership roles, eliminate gender-based violence and promote equal opportunities.

Sadia Juma, a senior four student at Abyei Girls secondary school, and the winner of a secondary school essay competition, used the occasion to highlight the enormous potential of girls in contributing to security, development and a safer Abyei for all. She called on leaders and partners to support efforts to amplify girls' voices, and highlighted the challenges they face in the community, including the prevalence of early marriages, limited access to education, and gender-based violence, among others.

OIC-Acting HoM/FC, Brigadier General Vincent Moyo, emphasized UNISFA’s responsibility to break down gender stereotypes and provide equal opportunities for girls to thrive in all fields, including politics, science, business, and leadership and indeed in any career opportunity of her dream.

“As UNISFA, it is our duty to not only maintain peace and security but to also support the people of Abyei, whom we serve, by ensuring that the most vulnerable particularly the girl child are protected, empowered, and uplifted. Peace is not sustainable without inclusion. It is a fact that when girls thrive, entire societies benefit,” Brig. Gen. Vincent Moyo. “Every girl child deserves the right to education, to attend school free from fear, free from barriers, and free from prejudice.”

The Acting Chief Administrator, Deng Arop Mading, stressed that empowering girls is not just the responsibility of women it is a shared mission for the whole community. “Men, fathers, brothers, and boys all have a role to play in creating a world where girls are valued and supported,” he said.

In the lead up to the event, UNISFA organized different activities including a drawing competition for primary schools, and an essay competition for secondary schools in Abyei. Awareness campaigns around this year’s theme were also organised in every team site. Winners of the competitions were awarded during the event.

Observed annually on 11 October, the International Day of the Girl is a key global moment which celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership. It is the day that the worlds come together to recognize and advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights. The theme of this year is ‘Girls’ vision for the future’ which reflects a future where every girl child, regardless of where she is born, grows up with the freedom to dream, to learn, and to achieve her full potential.