International Day of the Girl Child

In 2011, the United Nations issued a proclamation that October 11th would be declared the International Day of the Girl Child.  It's prime directives are raising awareness about issues that imperil  girls around the world and promoting equal access to opportunities and fair treatment.  A strong supporter for the initiative is the Canadian government through the office of Status of Women.  Visit their website for more information.

Children's books that focus on some of the issues that face girls in third world countries are plentiful.  A few I would recommend include:

Wanting Mor by Rakhsana Khan (823 K527W FIC)
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park (823 P218L FIC)
Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan (823 W571H6 FIC)
Sold by Patricia McCormick (823 M137S FIC)
An Equal Chance for Girls and Women by Judith Anderson (323.352 AnE 2010)

Girls from first world nations also face inequities and discrimination.  I would recommend the following books: 

Tyranny by Lesley Fairfield (823 F161T FIC)
There's a Girl in My Hammerlock by Jerry Spinelli (823 Sp46T FIC)
Sticks and stones by Beth Goobie (823 G59S FIC)
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (823 An243S FIC)

I would love to hear of other recommendations.