On October 11, 2026, the Catholic archdiocese of N'Djamena, Chad, commemorated the International Day of the Girl with a special mass at Saint Paul Parish in Kabalaye. The event, themed "End Child Marriage and Invest in Young Girls' Rights," brought together faithful from the parish and Girl Guides from across the city. The mass was presided over by Abbé Séverin Ndingatoloum. The celebration was a moment of prayer, awareness, and commitment to promoting girls' rights and dignity.
In his homily, Abbé Séverin Ndingatoloum emphasized that girls are not a burden but a blessing. He stressed that girls' dignity is equal to that of boys and that disrespecting girls is equivalent to disrespecting God's work. The priest questioned parents about the number of girls who stay at home while their brothers attend school and those who are given in early marriage. He encouraged girls to remain hopeful despite challenges, assuring them that God will one day open doors for them.
Kemneloum Mélanie, the diocesan commissioner of the Guides, highlighted the significance of the International Day of the Girl and the closure of the week of communion and prayer recommended by the International Catholic Guide Conference. She emphasized that the theme of the edition focuses on ending child marriage and promoting girls' rights, underscoring that every girl is a creature of God with talents, dignity, and hope.
Mélanie invited Girl Guides to continue building a world where every girl is respected and encouraged to become what God calls her to be. She invoked the Virgin Mary, a model of faith and humility, in favor of young girls and their families. She also encouraged them to meditate on the words of their founder, Baden-Powell: "Be satisfied with what you have and make the best use of it."
The celebration concluded with a thanksgiving ceremony, where Girl Guides expressed their joy by offering gifts. The event also featured cultural activities to commemorate the day. Ndilnodji Stéphane reported on the event. The mass and awareness campaign aim to promote girls' education and prevent early marriage.
According to the Catholic Church, girls in Chad face significant challenges, including early marriage and limited access to education. The Church's initiative seeks to address these issues and promote girls' empowerment. The event brought together various stakeholders, including parents, Girl Guides, and clergy, to raise awareness about the importance of girls' education and rights.
The International Day of the Girl is celebrated annually on October 11. The day aims to promote girls' empowerment, education, and rights worldwide. In Chad, the Catholic community's initiative highlights the need to address the challenges faced by girls and promote their well-being and development.
Key points
- The Catholic archdiocese of N'Djamena, Chad, marked the International Day of the Girl with a special mass and awareness campaign to end child marriage and promote girls' rights.
