International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 globally. In 2024, the 12th anniversary of the International Month of the Girl Child is celebrated under the theme: “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” and the basic education sector has designated the focal theme as: “Investing in a future that believes in their agency, leadership, and potential”.
The continuing collaboration amongst the DBE, Unilever, represented by its brand Dove, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) marked the International Day of the Girl Child by showcasing the Dove Self Esteem Programme (DSEP) at the DBSA in Midrand on 25 October 2024.
Basic Education Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, attended the event on behalf of the DBE to inspire the youth together with prominent advocates for body positivity. “It is important that we affirm girls and contribute towards dealing with challenges they face, and to empower them. Teachers and parents should ensure that children are comfortable in their own skin. Beauty does not lie in the eye of the beholder, but in the eyes of those who carry it. Be proudly you, and become the best version of yourself. We should therefore also, as we empower girls, ensure that the boy child is not left behind. The system indicates that boys are lacking behind in certain areas. In addition, I am glad to see that learners with special needs are also participating in this event as the DBE is inclusive in everything we do”.
Research indicates a greater need to engage young men and boys differently and separately, considering the different dynamics of vulnerabilities between boys and girls. Important to note is that many boys drop out of school, engage in violent and criminal behaviour, unsafe sex, or they may practice other risky behaviours. Gender norms and a lack of positive male role modelling also have a negative effect on the health and sexual reproductive health (SRH) practices of boys and men.
Mr Likho Bottoman, Director for Social Cohesion and Equity in Education, explained that, “the DBE is implementing a range of actions in curriculum, co-curricular activities, advocacy and policy to ensure the rights of the girl child and equip her to succeed in an evolving world. This will empower the next generation of girls while championing government efforts with support from the Development Bank of Southern Africa, dedicated to empowering girls now to shape the future prosperity of women. It takes more than just the Department of Basic Education to achieve this goal; it requires a whole-of-society approach. Hence, a session with more partners and stakeholders of the DBE, to highlight some of the achievements, thought processes and plans towards investing in a future that believes in their agency, leadership, and potential.”
In anticipation of this significant occasion, the DBE, Dove, and DBSA organised preliminary events from 21 October to 23 October at Sizwile School for the Deaf, Alexandra High School, Umqhele Secondary School, and concluded at Ikusasa Comprehensive School in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The partnership between the DBE and Unilever will equip learners emotionally, helping them to stay in school, build resilience to life’s adversities and aspire to be more, despite these challenges. Studies indicate that 77% of South African girls think social media creates pressure to look a certain way and 80% of girls are ashamed with the way they look, whilst 3 in 5 girls lack confidence in school because they don’t feel good about, the way they look.