July 11: World Population Day (See Theme)

July 11: World Population Day (See Theme)

The Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989 set aside July 11th of every year to observe World Population Day. 

It is a day set aside to address the issues and debates around population.

The 2016 theme is: 

Investing In Teenage Girls

Teenage girls all over the world, especially in Africa face so many challenges, ranging from early marriage, to education, among others. 

Many are forced to withdraw from school, in that instance blurring or totally damaging their future prospects. This withdrawal might be as a result of the parent's or guardian's desire to get the girl into marriage or when they see that the girl-child should not necessarily be educated. 

These challenges are faced by girls living in marginalized areas or remote areas. 

A look around you would show that when girls are empowered (Know their rights and are given the tools to succeed), they excel and become agents of positive change wherever they find themselves.

The UNFPA has put up programmes to end child marriage, annihilate adolescent pregnancy, and give girls the tools to excel in their endeavours. 

UNFPA helped 11.2 million girls between the ages of 10 and 19 gain access to sexual and reproductive health services and information - which is a good step, because that is the major problem plaguing the girl-child the world over. 

UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin said:

Leaders and communities must focus on and stand up for the human rights of the most marginalised teenage girls, particularly those who are poor, out of school, exploited or subjected to harmful traditional practices, including child marriage. 

Marginalised girls are vulnerable to poor reproductive health and more likely to become mothers while still children themselves. They have a right to understand and control their own bodies and shape their own lives.

#HelpTheGirlChild