 I'm Natasha Stock Despoir, Australia's ambassador for women and girls. I sometimes get asked why we need an ambassador for women and girls. Well, we live in a world in which 65 million girls are out of school. Every three seconds, a girl is forced or coerced into marriage. And the leading cause of death for young women aged 15 to 19 living in developing countries is pregnancy. You know, what a girl in South Sudan is more likely to die in childbirth than she is to finish primary school. This year, on the International Day of the Girl Child, we celebrate the world's girls and young women. And this year, we're especially promoting their political empowerment. Young women's leadership is an issue close to my heart. The equal participation of women and girls in leadership and decision making is a necessity. It's the only way to achieve prosperity for all. October 11 is an opportunity to look at the rights we've secured for girls around the world, but we must consider the challenges that remain. Plan International has heeded this call. The Because I Am a Girl campaign is addressing barriers to girls' education, equipping them with the skills they require to safeguard their future. I commend Plan on their efforts and their dedication. The Australian government is a proud partner in Plan's work, including through the Australian African Community Engagement Scheme, which, among other things, works to increase women's access to maternal and child health services. And, as Australia's Ambassador for Women and Girls, I'm pleased to join Plan in supporting the journeys of young women into leadership positions in all parts of society and in all places. Happy International Day of the Girl Child.