International Day of the Girl Child, a global observance day declared by the United Nations, meant very little to millions of teenage girls in Afghanistan this year as they continue to be deprived of an education, have limited access to healthcare, no freedom and a bleak future under the Taliban.
Also known as the Day of Girls, it was first celebrated in 2012 as a way to raise awareness about gender inequality and to advocate for girls’ rights and empowerment.
