World Children’s Day: Making a better future for every child

World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day. It is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improve children’s welfare

According to the United Nations, World Children’s Day offers us an opportunity to advocate promote and celebrate children’s rights. This, therefore, translates to dialogue and actions that build a better world for children.

Essentially, World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by children. On this day children and young people are raising their voices on issues that matter to their generation and calling for adults to create a better future.

This day is coordinated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which works in promoting children’s welfare. This year’s theme is a better future for every child and children across the globe will reimagine a better future for themselves and all.

There is no better way in securing a country’s future than to invest in its children. Millions of children globally are living without basic needs and are therefore the most affected due to their vulnerability.  

According to Their World Organization many children are missing out on basic health services, education and protection. This is simply because they were born into poverty or because of their ethnicity, religion or race.

It adds that COVID-19 has widened this inequality gap and the social, economic and health impacts of the pandemic will reverberate for years to come, threatening child rights. 

As we celebrate this day, it is good to note that this day is when theUnited Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that children:  

• Have the right to an education
• Must be treated with dignity and respect
• Should be cared for, allowed to develop and to be part of their communities
• Have the right to express their own opinions and take part in decisions that affect them
• Have the right to be protected against violence and discrimination

What do we need to do?

We all have a role to play in ensuring that we secure the rights of children

1. As a parent, we are called upon to educate children on their rights as education starts at home
2. Businesses are required to pull together to achieve sustainable development goals and help children thrive and fulfill their potential 
3. For young people, we are called upon to raise our voices at every opportunity on various platforms.

Over the years, MYDAWA has been at the forefront of advocating for children’s rights through its products and services.  MYDAWA has ensured that it provides quality access to basic medical care to families.

On this day we encourage every member of society to advocate, promote and celebrate the rights of children. They can do so by coming up with solutions on how to create a better world for the children.