The national celebration of the International Day of the Girl takes place on 11 and 12 October 2014 in the Urban Commune of Tamatave. The Minister of Youth and Sports; Dr. Jean Anicet ANDRIAMOSARISOA, Minister of Water; Dr. Johanita NDRAHIMANANJARA, General of Division PAZA Didier Gérard; Secretary of State to the Ministry of National Defense in charge of the National Gendarmerie, as well as the Representative of UNFPA; Dr. Bernard COQUELIN were present at the opening ceremony.
This day is organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in partnership with different organisations namely: UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF. This year's theme is "Empowering Adolescent Girls: Breaking the Cycle of Violence".
This international day is also integrating and officially launching the national campaign "Viavy Arô Zahe" (Because We Are Girls) will extend over three months and aim to enable young girls and teenagers to know and enjoy their rights fully so that they can achieve their full potential in an environment that is favorable to them.
Indeed, the situation of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 and more widely among young girls aged 10 to 24 has deteriorated.
"Girls deserve special attention in the composition of the Malagasy population. They are part of this vulnerable fringe and are victims of early and unwanted pregnancy. But we must also not forget to educate young boys, co-actors of early pregnancy so that they benefit from the information needed to improve their living conditions aimed at better individual and professional development later ," said the Minister Youth and Sports, Dr. Jean Anicet ANDRIAMOSARISOA, during his speech. This day is animated by young people and especially by young girls. They will advocate for decision-makers in order to secure a greater commitment to defend their rights.
Singer Gangstabab has presented his new song specially created for this campaign aimed at getting through music, awareness-raising messages for parents and young people.
Awareness activities will be organized by and for young people and the film Dzaomalaza 3 has been screened and followed by discussions among young people. The day of 12 October 2014 will be devoted to sports activities during which messages on the rights of young people will also be conveyed.
"For the development of girls and their families, the community and the country, it is essential to preserve their rights and invest in their future ," said the Representative of the UNFPA, Doctor Bernard Coquelin.
Investing in girls can be synonymous with growth and development, offering them the opportunity to fulfill their full potential, "because they are girls!"
