Context
World Thinking Day, originally known as Thinking Day, is celebrated annually on 22 February by all Girl Scouts, Girl Guides and other girl groups worldwide.
History
- In 1926, at the Fourth Girl Scout International Conference, held at Girl Scouts of the United States’s Camp Edith Macy (presently the Edith Macy Conference Center).
- The conference delegates highlighted the need for a special international day when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts would think about the worldwide spread of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting, and of all the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world, giving them, their “sisters,” thanks and appreciation.
- It was decided by the delegates that this day would be 22 February, the birthday of both Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout movement, and Lady Olave Baden-Powell, his wife and the World Chief Guide.
- In 1999, at the 30th World Conference, held in Ireland, the name was changed from “Thinking Day” to “World Thinking Day”, to emphasize the global aspect of this special day.
Theme
- The theme for World Thinking Day 2022 is ‘Our World: Our Equal Future: The Environment and Gender Equality' which highlights the significance of the environment in the context of gender equality.
Significance
- World Thinking Day 2022 is observed all over the world and is highly significant as it provides a unique platform for the Girl Scouts and Girl Guides to interact with one another and discuss the issues that they face.
- World Thinking Day also promotes sisterhood and long-lasting friendships among girl scouts that are based on loyalty and respect.
- World Thinking Day 2022 is marked through various events such as hiking activities, bake sales, seminars, among others.
About WAGGGS
- The World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides (WAGGGS) is a global association.
- It supports the female-oriented and female-only Scouting and Guiding organisations in 152 countries around the world.
- WAGGGS was established in 1928 in Hungary.
- It has its headquarters in London, United Kingdom.
- The World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides is organised into five regions and it operates five international guiding centres.
- WAGGGS also holds full member status in the European Youth Forum.
