Today, Oct. 11 is International Day of the Girl as adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, to recognize the rights of girls and the unique challenges they face around the world. This year’s theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future” conveys hope that the dreams of girls and young adolecents can lead to an unlimited future if we listen and invest in them. It is a proven factor that “when girls/women lead, the impact is immediate and wide reaching:families, communities and economies are all stronger, and our future brighter.” But what of the disproportioned number of girls whose dreams are shattered and voices buried in the trauma of conflict? Who will listen to them?

Here I am, one girl, turned woman who cannot remain silent.
I cannot remain silent as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate with Lebanon being drawn into the conflict. There is no end in sight. The best I can do is to reaffirm my conviction in a world of peace and justice, where all people—especially women and children—are safe and free from violence.
Many of our sisters have experienced the daily horrors of this war and its profound generational impact on the lives of women, children, and the vulnerable. The violence, torture, and oppression does not serve humanity. They give rise to nightmares that should plague our consciences with screams of inconsolable mothers holding their children, maimed and mutilated by our weapons. I call on all involved in this war to impose a cease fire on warring parties to ensure that women, children, girls, the most vulnerable, and those providing humanitarian aid in war zones are protected from violence against them.
For decades, organizations across the globe and including the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) https://aiwainternational.org have worked tirelessly to uplift women and children, promote their rights, embrace difference and diversity, and improve quality of life, no matter who they are or where they reside—even in the face of war.

I will continue to condemn—in the strongest possible terms—any action that violates essential human rights, especially for those who have lost their voice. I reaffirm my commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human rights for all. I strongly believe in the necessity of dialogue, mutual respect, and nonviolence as the pathways to resolving deep-seated conflicts.
I call on the international community, including governments, and civil society to work towards lasting peace and justice in the region, rooted in the dignity and security of all people – regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity. I call on all involved in this war to impose a cease fire on warring parties by simply stopping arms shipments and participating in an international arms embargo on ALL armed groups involved.
I remain dedicated to advocating for an end to violence, supporting humanitarian efforts, and amplifying the voices of women, girls and marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected by war and conflict.

I continue to believe in a world where justice, equity, and peace are not just aspirations, but realities that all people can experience. I commit to standing alongside those who strive for a future free from violence, where human rights and dignity are upheld for every individual. Will you stand alongside me? Will you raise your voices?

For all humanity, for women and children, and for all girls for now and for future generations.