The International Day of the Girl Child and its significance to Swaziland

The International Day of the Girl Child and its significance to Swaziland.

This day is to recognize girl’s rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. The United Nations General Assembly on December 19, 2011 adopted Resolutions 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. This day should serve as a reminder to the Swaziland government and the international community of the need to protect our girls and ensure that they enjoy the same opportunities as boys. For Swaziland this day comes at a time when parliament has just passed the Children Protection and Welfare Act, 2012 which guarantees the protection of the girl child. Noting and appreciating the efforts that the government of Swaziland is making in ensuring that children have access to primary education, it is critical to not turn a blind eye on the many social ills that young girls are facing in Swaziland. During the United Nations periodic review of Swaziland in March 2012 it was noted that girls in Swaziland are exposed to many injurious customs that undermine their status in society. Despite several recommendations on the protection of the girl child, it is upsetting to note that girls in Swaziland continue to be violated through customary practices and institutional practices. To that end, as a people of Swaziland we must take concrete steps in ensuring that we create not only a conducive environment for the girl child but also guarantee effective policies and programs for their development.