On International Day of the Girl Child, Waukee Girl Scouts Call Attention to Global Injustices

Four members of Waukee Girl Scout Troop 776 are turning their concerns about the injustice that still exist for girls in education globally into action.

The four – Jessica Kappenman, Grace Carlson, Taryn Reitsma, Cloe Crigger and  Natalie Hunt – are organizing a 5K walk around Blue Heron Lake at Raccoon River Park from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11.

The walk will be one of numerous events around the world commemorating International Day of the Girl Child, observed every Oct. 11 under a resolution adopted in 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly. The day is set aside to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face around the world.

According to the UN, girls face discrimination and violence every day across the world. Events like the one planned at the West Des Moines park focus attention on the need to address those challenges and promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

There is no cost to take part in the walk.

The girls, who attend Brookview Elementary School, are planning the the walk as part of their building initiative, “The Leader in Me.” With the support of their building principal, Terry Hurlburt, they have been spreading their knowledge and activism through morning announcements and on posters, as well as at the upcoming PTO carnival.