The Huffington Post – Cindy Jones-Nyland
“October 11 is the International Day of the Girl Child, a United Nations day of observance to call attention not only to girls’ rights, but also to the struggles they face around the world. This year’s theme is: The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030. This is an important day for me. I was a girl child; I am raising a girl child; I have witnessed the challenges and successes experienced by girl children in communities where Heifer International works. And I recognize how fortunate I am to have been born in a place and environment where I was able to harness opportunity and flourish. I didn’t worry about daily hunger, access to education or feeling safe. And as an adolescent, I was able to express my thoughts and opinions and exercise my rights and ability to participate fully in my family and community. This is not a universal reality. Far from it.”(more)