Girls should have equal opportunities to lead, but slogans can’t herald change: Kharge

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday called for ensuring that girls have equal opportunities to lead and be involved in decision-making processes, asserting that mere slogans cannot herald real change.

In a post on X on the International Day of the Girl Child, Kharge said gender equality and justice are essential to achieving social, political and economic progress.

“The theme of this year’s #DayOfTheGirl is ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’, which conveys both the need for urgent action and continued hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future,” he said.

“We must ensure that girls have equal opportunities to lead by putting them at the forefront of change, amplifying their voices, responding to their needs and involving them in decision-making processes,” the Congress President said.

Mere slogans cannot herald real change, he asserted.

Kharge said it is essential to listen to girls, to invest in proven solutions that will accelerate progress towards a future where every girl can realize her potential.

On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, in recognition of the rights of girls and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

The International Day of the Girl Child focuses on the need to address the challenges girls face and promote their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.