October 11 has been marked as the ‘International Day of the Girl’ declared by the United Nations since 2012. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. This year, the theme was ‘With Her: A Skilled GirlForce’.

Thirty-Five Amrita Rural Centers with a participation of 794 students joined together to commemorate the International Day of the girl. Since the inception of Amrita Rural Education Centers, the centres have conducted 685 sessions with over 6812 participants, inculcating respect for women and the need for equal education. The girls led rallies carrying placards declaring “Saakshar Kanya, Swastya Kanya!!” chanting “Keep us in school!”

This year’s UN theme of ‘Skilled Girl-force’ is slowly becoming a reality with Amrita Center for Research in Analytics & Technologies for Education (AmritaCREATE) tablet-aided education centers where digital inclusion is encouraged.