The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated on October 11 in the Berd community of Tavush Province of Armenia, inspired young girls to lead in creating sustainable communities and share their vision for a greener, healthier, and more equal future.

The day began with a group hike to NE Park, created by Winnet Berd with the support of the European Union and UNFPA, and located in the “Soranner” Arboretum of Berd town.

Astghik Hakobyan, Head of the Berd Community, remarked, "I highly appreciate all efforts aimed at increasing the role of girls and women and fully realizing their rights. It is the duty of each of us to encourage the involvement of women and girls in all spheres of political and social life, to actively participate in community development processes, to value their role and potential, and to encourage them to make new achievements."

During the event, the NE statue, a symbolic representation of the girl child created by artist Ashot Gevorgyan, was unveiled by the author and NE ambassador Neli Nersisyan, a young girl from Berd. Neli spoke passionately about her hopes for a world where girls take the lead in social and environmental change. "I want to see opportunities created for girls and everyone in every corner of the world to be active and confident in their abilities. Let's aim for such heights that one day, we can assist NE in bringing a positive change in the lives of girls," she said.

The event also featured a contest in which girls from Tavush Province presented innovative environmental projects. The best projects were awarded by the UNFPA and UN Women components of the "EU 4 Gender Equality” programme, as well as The Body Shop Armenia. 

"These girls have shown us what victories they can score if we invest in their vision and abilities. Their ideas inspire us to push further for gender equality and environmental protection. Empowering young girls to lead ensures that they not only shape their futures but also transform the communities they live in," said Taguhi Harutyunyan, EU4GE Programme Coordinator at UNFPA Armenia.

This event in Berd not only recognized the potential of girls to lead in environmental initiatives but also underscored the importance of empowering young girls to challenge stereotypes and build a brighter, more sustainable future. 

Zaruhi Tonoyan, Programme Specialist for UN Women in Armenia, stressed, "Unfortunately, Armenia is one of the countries where sex-selective abortions are still practiced, leading to the loss of approximately 1,500 girls each year. The long-term consequences of such trends are deeply concerning. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every girl is protected and given a chance to dream and realize her every brave dreams․"

The day concluded with a series of sports games involving girls and boys, fostering teamwork and celebrating the unity of the community's youth.

Organized by UNFPA Armenia, UN Women Armenia, and Winnet Berd, the event was part of the "EU 4 Gender Equality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence" programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union and implemented by UN Women and UNFPA. The Body Shop Armenia also supported the initiative.

This publication was produced within the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence" programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union, implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UN Women and UNFPA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.