Nearly 1 in 5 girls are still not completing lower-secondary, and nearly 4 in 10 girls are not completing upper-secondary school today.
Around 90 percent of adolescent girls and young women do not use the internet in low-income countries, while their male peers are twice as likely to be online.
Globally, girls aged 5-14 spend 160 million more hours every day on unpaid care and domestic work than boys of the same age.
Adolescent girls continue to account for 3 in 4 new HIV infections among adolescents.
Nearly 1 in 4 married/partnered adolescent girls aged 15-19 have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at least once in their lifetime.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 100 million girls were at risk of child marriage in the next decade. And now, over the next ten years, up to 10 million more girls worldwide will be at risk of marrying as children because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With these figures in mind, Parenting becomes an extraordinary journey filled with joys, challenges, and the responsibility of shaping the next generation. As parents, we uniquely nurture our daughters to become confident, empowered, and resilient individuals. In today's world, where gender disparities and stereotypes persist, raising girls who can navigate these obstacles is more important than ever.
Here are some specific steps and considerations for you as parents to empower and support your daughters
Open Communication - Foster a strong and open line of communication with your daughters. Encourage them to share their thoughts, concerns, and experiences with you. Make sure they know that they can discuss anything with you without judgment.
Education and Lifelong Learning - Prioritize education in your family. Emphasize the importance of learning and curiosity. Show your daughters that education is a tool that can empower them to achieve their dreams.
Positive Role Modeling - Lead by example. Demonstrate gender equality, respect, and healthy relationships in your own interactions. Your behavior and attitudes serve as a powerful model for your daughters.
Encourage Self-Confidence - Build your daughters' self-confidence by praising their efforts and accomplishments. Encourage them to take on challenges and reassure them that failure is a part of learning and growth.
Challenge Gender Stereotypes - Actively challenge and reject gender stereotypes. Encourage your daughters to pursue their interests and dreams, regardless of whether they align with traditional gender roles.
Teach Consent and Boundaries - Educate your daughters about consent, bodily autonomy, and boundaries. Ensure they understand that they have the right to say "no" and that their feelings and choices are valid and respected.
Promote Independence - Encourage independence and decision-making skills. Allow your daughters to make age-appropriate choices and take responsibility for their actions. This helps build their self-esteem and sense of agency.
Exposure to Diverse Perspectives - Introduce your daughters to diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Teach them about the importance of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for others' differences.
Mentorship and Support - Connect your daughters with mentors and role models who can inspire and guide them. Encourage them to seek out strong female mentors in fields of interest.
Empower Their Voice - Encourage your daughters to use their voices for positive change. Teach them that their opinions and actions can make a difference in their communities and the world.
Safety and Awareness - Ensure your daughters are aware of safety measures and self-defense techniques. Teach them how to stay safe and alert in various situations.
Resilience Building - Help your daughters develop resilience by discussing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Encourage them to persevere through difficult times.
Body Positivity and Self-Care - Promote a healthy body image and self-care. Encourage a positive relationship with their bodies and teach them the importance of self-love and self-acceptance.
Support Their Dreams - Be a source of unwavering support for your daughters' dreams and aspirations. Show them that you believe in their potential and that you're there to help them achieve their goals.
Advocate for Gender Equality - Join or support initiatives and organizations that advocate for gender equality. Teach your daughters about the importance of fighting for equal rights and opportunities for all.
Raising girls in the face of the challenges highlighted by these statistics requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, empowerment, advocacy, and community involvement. Remember that parenting is an ongoing journey, and the key is to provide love, guidance, and support while allowing your daughters to grow into their unique and empowered selves.
Happy Parenting!
Source: Boldsky
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