International Day of the Girl Child 2025: A Message from Hon. Sonia Parag, Minister of Education

International Day of the Girl Child 2025: A Message from Hon. Sonia Parag, Minister of Education

To all the bright, beautiful, and brave girls of Guyana – happy International Day of the Girl Child to you. We see each and every one of you and we celebrate your power and your potential to break barriers and become powerhouses in whatever fields you choose to pursue.

For us in Guyana, this year’s theme: “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis,” is not just one that we aspire to fulfill, but one that the Government has long been actively preparing its girls for, and a sound education has been the bedrock of those efforts.

At the level of the Ministry of Education, every girl child has equal access to opportunities for a free and wholesome education – from nursery to tertiary and skills training in various fields – from mechanics and electrical to welding and plumbing.

By leveling the academic playing field, we are promoting gender equality and sending a message to the world that our girls can do it all.

No longer are our girls being left behind or forced to start families at tender ages. No longer are they forced out of schools and into kitchens. The well-being of our girls is being prioritized across every sector, most especially education and health.

The national focus on amplifying girls’ voices isn’t merely ceremonial; it is embodied in the current leadership of the country where women – both the young and the experienced – are being sought for high-level roles and given the opportunity to forge new and exciting paths for generations to come.

These deliberate actions are directly preparing young girls to stand as powerful agents of change, ensuring that they are not only protected but are also actively leading the charge.

Today, our girls can dare to dream and dream big, because they are supported by a government that clears the way for them to be great and removes the hurdles that may threaten to hold them back.

To our girls – you are loved, you are celebrated, and we are excited to see each of you thrive.