UNICEF Highlights Progress in Girls Empowerment in India and Its Global Impact

United Nations, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, Hanan Suleiman, has commended India’s advancements in girls’ empowerment, noting that these improvements will have a positive impact beyond the country’s borders. Speaking at an event organized by India and Sierra Leone to mark International Day of the Girl, Suleiman highlighted the significant progress in girls’ education over the past decade, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of girls within families.

India, home to the world’s largest adolescent population, boasts over 253 million teenagers. This underscores the global relevance of progress made for girls in the country. Suleiman emphasized that sustained investment, extensive community involvement, and policy action can lead to meaningful change.

India’s Permanent Representative, P. Harish, shared examples of programs aimed at empowering girls, which have shown lasting effects. He cited the progress of women at Osmania University College of Engineering in Hyderabad, noting that when he studied mechanical engineering, there were no female students in his class. Today, nearly 70% of the students are women, illustrating tangible progress within a single generation.

However, Harish acknowledged that the field of artificial intelligence (AI) remains male-dominated. He expressed concern that discussions often center on “tech brothers,” while “tech sisters” go unnoticed. He urged member nations to focus on making the AI sector more inclusive for girls and women. In India, efforts are underway to ensure that digital tools, including public digital infrastructure, support girls’ education. AI is increasingly being utilized for tailored tutoring and educational materials, enhancing learning opportunities for children.

Sierra Leone’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Jeneba Bangura, emphasized that investment in girls’ empowerment yields significant benefits for society and nations. She stated that investing in a girl’s development strengthens families, communities, and nations, fostering a more peaceful and prosperous world. Girls across Africa and the globe are not merely vulnerable; they are catalysts for change, innovators, leaders, and drivers of development.

Liberia’s Permanent Representative, Louis Brown, recalled the critical role women played in ending the civil war from 1989 to 2003. Algeria’s Permanent Representative, Amar Bendjama, remarked that the environment we create for girls today shapes their contributions tomorrow. He emphasized that investing in girls’ rights and opportunities is an investment in our shared future, also highlighting the importance of digital education for girls.