On 11 October, the global community came together for the International Day of the Girl Child to highlight the unique challenges faced by girls globally and to affirm international commitments to gender equality and ensuring fundamental rights for women and girls.

Europe’s liberals are fully committed to the fight for gender equality and empowering women and girls to achieve their dreams and ambitions. Affirming this commitment, Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas shared a video message with the ALDE Party community to highlight the importance of the day.

Held under the theme “Digital Generation. Our Generation.”, this year’s global observation focused on the gender digital divide, including differences in using technology and accessing technology-related jobs and skills. According to the United Nations, eliminating the gender digital divide is a critical step in achieving gender equality as we undergo the digital transition.  

As a European leader in digital, Estonia offers unique lessons for addressing the gender digital divide. In her message, Kallas shared these insights along with her thoughts on girls’ empowerment as Estonia’s first female Prime Minister:

“We need to address gender inequality in tech skills, jobs and connectivity. This includes a range of initiatives and digital environment creating new opportunities and empowering girls to use these possibilities in every possible way.”

“I know that every strong woman was a determined girl once. We need to work to have the opportunities for every girl to succeed!” she concluded.

You can watch the full video message below or on YouTube.

Photo credit: Stenbocki maja, 2021