International Girls Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Appreciation Educational Women
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every November 14
Holiday emoji:: 👧

International Girls Day, spearheaded by Kappa Delta, inspires young women to pursue their passions every November 14. This day champions confidence, education, and the limitless potential of girls worldwide. Join the movement by supporting girls’ initiatives, mentoring young women, and advocating for equitable opportunities.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected International Girls Day Deals

As a cause-driven observance, International Girls Day focuses on advocacy and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like Kappa Delta lead initiatives to foster confidence and provide educational opportunities for girls. Many corporate partners, such as Girl Scouts of the USA and Girls Inc., often run donation-matching campaigns or launch special programs to support girls’ development. Look for brands like Mattel (through their Barbie Dream Gap Project) and American Girl to highlight stories of empowerment and offer ways to contribute to related charities. We will update this page with confirmed live programs and donation drives as November 14 approaches.

Platform Guide for International Girls Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalGirlsDay. Share inspiring stories of girls pursuing their dreams.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalGirlsDay. Amplify messages about girls’ empowerment and educational access.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalGirlsDay. Share resources and events supporting young women.

International Girls Day Hero

Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls' schooling, she survived and continued her fight globally. Her bravery has inspired millions, making her a powerful symbol for girls' rights and education worldwide.

History of International Girls Day

International Girls Day came into existence in 1897. Yes, more than a century ago! It was born out of an initiative by Kappa Delta (popularly known as ‘K.D.’ or ‘Kay Dee’). The intent behind the creation of this holiday is to remind girls not to get bogged down by societal norms, but rather to be unapologetically themselves. Through the initiative, K.D. aims to build the confidence in young women to excel in whichever field they prefer, helping them realize their potential through various guidance programs.

It’s quite a progressive initiative, coming from a time when women weren’t allowed to be radical. Four college students — Sara Turner White, Julia Tyler Gardiner Wilson, Lenora Ashmore Blackiston, and Mary Sommerville Sparks Hendrick — started the sorority. Millions of women have joined since then, and have been contributing to its efforts as mentors and volunteers. Two of K.D.’s major philanthropies include Prevent Child Abuse America and Girls Scouts of the U.S.A. Every year, the sorority hosts various programs, from educational events to miscellaneous activities, to promote its initiatives.

The community at Kappa Delta is inclusive as it welcomes young women from across the nation irrespective of their races or ethnicities. The sorority believes in diversity and actively endorses it without any qualms. Be it personal growth or professional, K.D. leaves no stone unturned when it comes to taking care of its community. The bond of sisterhood and friendship formed at K.D. is believed to be lifelong, and its members strive to stick together through thick and thin.

International Girls Day timeline

1897

Foundation of the Sorority

Kappa Delta is founded at State Female Normal School (presently known as Longwood University) in Farmville, Virginia.

1902

Hendrick’s Retirement

The oldest founder of Kappa Delta, Mary Hendrick, moves out of the school.

1904

The Inception of the Zeta Chapter

The Zeta Chapter of Kappa Delta becomes Alabama’s first sorority.

1921

First National Philanthropy

The sorority starts giving financial aid to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University (V.C.U).

How Businesses Can Celebrate International Girls Day

Local businesses can honor International Girls Day by hosting mentorship events or workshops designed to inspire young women in their community. Retailers could partner with local schools or girls’ organizations to sponsor educational supplies or offer scholarships. Restaurants might host special ‘Girls’ Day Out’ events, donating a portion of proceeds to a girls’ empowerment charity. Emphasize genuine support for girls’ development over purely commercial gain.

International Girls Day FAQs

When is International Girls Day?

International Girls Day 2026 falls on Saturday, November 14. It’s a dedicated day to celebrate and empower girls globally, encouraging them to pursue their interests and dreams.

What is the purpose of International Girls Day?

The purpose of International Girls Day is to encourage girls to explore their interests, follow their dreams, and build confidence. It’s an initiative by Kappa Delta sorority to support and inspire young women globally.

How many girls are out of school globally?

According to UNICEF, approximately 129 million girls are out of school worldwide, with 32 million of primary school age and 97 million of secondary school age. This highlights the critical need for initiatives like International Girls Day.

How is International Girls Day different from International Day of the Girl Child?

International Girls Day (November 14) is an initiative by Kappa Delta sorority, focusing on encouraging girls’ interests and confidence. In contrast, the UN’s International Day of the Girl Child (October 11) addresses the specific challenges girls face globally and promotes their empowerment.

International Girls Day Activities

Step out of your comfort zone
On International Girls Day, do something out-of-the-box. Go for a hike, join a new club, host a dinner for your girlfriends, and learn karate. Do something you haven’t done before!
Share your issues
Come together with girls from your class or neighborhood and share common gender-related issues. Lend a sympathetic ear and encourage other girls to voice their opinions.
Help less-privileged girls
Reach out to underprivileged girls. Listen to their difficulties, and if possible, donate to their well-being.

5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Kappa Delta

First sorority in Farmville
Kappa Delta is Farmville, Virginia’s first sorority of four, including Alpha Sigma Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and Zeta Tau Alpha.
The cutest mascot
Kappa Delta’s mascot is a teddy bear.
Child abuse prevention
Kappa Delta has been hosting awareness events and fundraisers in support of child abuse prevention since 1984.
Official jewels
The sorority has its own official jewels, which are diamond, emerald, and pearl.
A flower too!
Kappa Delta’s official flower is the white rose.

Why We Love International Girls Day

We realize the value of a support system
Kappa Delta’s sisterhood offers young girls a strong support system and inspiration to chase their dreams. International Girls Day celebrates this sisterhood.
It creates an environment for assimilation
The sorority brings girls from different communities and ethnicities together. They not only learn to embrace diversity but also get to know different traditions and interests.
It’s a day to cherish individuality
International Girls Day at Kappa Delta is all about accepting your flaws and loving yourself for who you are. Cheers to that!