Happy Sunday!
October 11th, 2020 is a special day for celebration. A day where people across the entire world can gather and cherish the power of female voices. A day to reflect on the past while looking toward the future of equality. A day recognized by many as International Day of the Girl.
To give y'all a brief history, this remarkable day was first adopted in 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly - but the celebration of girls began long before this.
Photo courtesy of Global Sojourns Giving Circle
In 1995, the rights of not only women but also girls were advanced for the first time through the ratification of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the Fourth World Conference on Women. This was the first major worldwide written document recognizing the rights of girls, which was instrumental in helping advance where women stand in society today. Sixteen years later, December 19, 2011, an important resolution was adopted by the United Nations Assembly which declared October 11th as International Day of the Girl.
For many, this day can be reflected upon or viewed under different lights, but for GSGC and The Seraphine Project, this day is a day of celebration. We come together as we lift one another up by celebrating how amazing each individual girl truly is.
One of the primary aspects that I have focused on with The Seraphine Project is the idea of connection. I often consider the beauty of how our differences define us as individuals, while our similarities are what bring us together. On International Day of the Girl especially, I have a deeper appreciation for each nuance that makes us who we are.
Photo courtesy of Global Sojourns Giving Circle
I feel incredibly blessed to say that some of my closest friends are ones who I have known my whole life and others for only a couple of years. As I have traveled and moved around the country, I personally have learned and gained so much from connections. All of my friends are beautifully special in their own, unique way, which is what I love most about them. 2020 has obviously been a year of ups and downs, but on days like today recognizing connection rather than separation is most important.
As my way of celebrating such an important day, I have chosen to reflect on some photos highlighting some of my most memorable moments with my friends. These times are all moments in which I felt like I was able to be completely true to myself. I feel my best when I know I am surrounded by people who love and support me, and finding those people in life is what's most important. To me, that’s exactly it. Feeling true to myself. So I ask each of you, what does International Day of the Girl mean to you?
Sending love to all my girls out there - you deserve the world and don’t let anyone lead you to believe otherwise!
Love,
Emily
