Juliana Koury Gaioso
In the heartwarming celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child (IDG) in Kristiansand, an event began with a shared bowl of soup, setting the stage for an inspiring evening dedicated to empowering women and girls worldwide. Led by Claudia Klostergaard of the Centre of Gender and Equality at UiA, the event commenced by honoring the strength and bravery of imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The arrangement was a collaborative effort involving the University of Agder, the Strømme Foundation, the European Network of Migrant Women, and the United Nations Association Agder.
The event brought together a diverse group of individuals and organizations, all united by a shared mission: addressing global challenges and championing the rights of women and girls. Participants from local and international backgrounds painted a vivid picture of the challenges we face, infused with hope and determination.
Sustainable Development Goals and Girls’ Rights
Anne Breivik, Head of International Programs at the Strømme Foundation, set the tone for the event by emphasizing the organization’s dedication to eradicating poverty, creating educational and employment opportunities, and advocating for the rights of girls. The Strømme Foundation’s unique approach actively engages boys and men in reshaping societal norms and mindsets to promote gender equality.
GENDIG: A Global Perspective
Representing Gendig at the event were Arnhild Leer-Helgesen, an associate professor at the Department of Global Development and Planning at UiA, and Anna B. Ninsiima, a Post-Doc Scholar and Lecturer at the School of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University in Uganda. Arnhild shed light on the global challenges facing gender equality, sparking a thought-provoking discussion on the global pressures on women’s rights and the role of religion in this ongoing struggle.
Anna emphasized the crucial role of nurturing environments in enabling gender equality. She passionately expressed, “To achieve equality, we can not only target girls, but we also have to ensure strong institutions and a supportive environment, so they can thrive.” Using compelling examples, she illustrated how institutions and the environment can either boost or hinder girls’ empowerment.
A Journey of Resilience and Hope
The event also welcomed Spogmy Jabarkhil, a board member of the European Network of Migrant Women and director of the Afghan Women Organization. Spogmy shared her remarkable journey from Afghanistan, where women faced oppression, to Norway, where she found herself in a place she considered heaven, with greater freedom for women. She is unwavering in her mission to use her experience and knowledge to empower girls in her homeland, emphasizing the importance of having boys and men as allies rather than adversaries.
Boys and Men as allies
Likewise, closing the event, Knut Straume, an advisor at the United Nations Association Agder, concluded the event by emphasizing the importance of allies in the struggle for equality.
About IDG
IDG provides a global platform for advocating the rights of girls. Confronting movements and actions around the world that threaten the progress made toward gender equality and disproportionately impact girls, it is vital that we rally for their rights. From maternal healthcare and support for adolescent mothers to digital and life skills training, comprehensive sexuality education, survivor support services, and violence prevention programs, there is an urgent need for increased attention and resources in these crucial areas to empower girls to realize their rights and reach their full potential.
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