A global movement on issues surrounding gender equality was highlighted over the weekend with a series of free activities.
International Day of the Girl was celebrated at Open in Norwich on Saturday, and saw people take part in workshops and events to shine a light on advancing opportunities and rights for girls.
Co-founder of International Day of the Girl Norwich, Tori Cann said: 'It highlights the challenges that girls face and also aims to celebrate what is great to be a girl.
'Globally, it's girls who are being left behind especially when you consider women lead just 23 of the world's 196 countries; and around 65m girls worldwide are not in school.'
This year marks the fourth year of the movement, as statistics from the Girlguiding Girls' Attitudes Survey 2016 revealed girls become less confident with age.
It found some 90pc of nine and 10-year-old girls felt they would have the same chance as boys at succeeding in their chosen jobs. However, this dropped to 54pc among 11 to 16-year-olds. Among 17 to 21-year-olds, it was even lower at 35pc.
Dr Cann, who is a lecturer in humanities at the UEA, added: 'We want girls everywhere to be seen as equals but we have a long way to go in living in a world where girls are given the same opportunities as boys, where girls are valued for who they are rather than be judged for what they look like.
'We've had a great day here at Open with lots of girls and boys coming through to take part. Everyone has been really creative, making zines, keyrings, drawing and taking part in the drama workshop that encouraged girls to build their confidence. Some of the young people started out shy but were feeling much more brave by the end!
'This is a great space for young people and as our centre for raising awareness around girl issues, locally, nationally and internationally. We've all tried something new today and had a great time making new friends. International Day of the Girl happens every year on October 11 so remember to celebrate and keep an eye out for Day of the Girl Norwich events coming up all year round.'
• For more information, see www.dayofthegirlnorwich.org
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