Girls matter!

Girls impacted by violence and discrimination across the world are not just numbers – they are lives, stories, and futures that matter deeply, writes Grace Hall.

BY GRACE HALL*

This year, for the International Day of the Girl Child, which is today, The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Girls (ISJG) group has created powerful and hope-filled resources to celebrate, uplift, and champion girls everywhere.

The theme of their campaign this year is: ‘The Warrior, Her Voice, His Victory’ – based on words from the book of Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 10-18, which encourage us all to stand firm and speak up for what is right.  

Girls around the world face serious and heartbreaking challenges every day. From child marriage – where an estimated 12 million girls under the age of 18 become child brides each year – to modern slavery, where over 63 million girls are trapped in child labour, the statistics are staggering.

In Australia alone, one in five children experience domestic violence, and one in three teenagers report experiencing sex-based discrimination. These are not just numbers – they are lives, stories, and futures that matter deeply. 

Believing that the voices of women and girls are critical to addressing many social issues that negatively impact societies, The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission launched in 2021 an initiative called the International Social Justice Girls group. It arose out of the significant engagement of Salvationist girls in the 2020 International Day of the Girl Child observance during which interest in further development of advocacy was expressed. 

The initiative has opened the door for girls aged 14 to 25 to learn and develop as advocates for women and girls. The ISJG was created for the purpose of empowering, encouraging and educating women and girls in The Salvation Army from around the globe. More than 40 girls applied, and 25 were selected. They represent 15 countries and 10 languages. 

The ISJG wants girls around the world to know that they are not forgotten and are not alone.  

*Grace Hall is an Administration Assistant at Queensland Divisional Headquarters, and is also an ISJG Girl Advocate.