Adolescence
Adolescent girls
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| © UNICEF/ 2001/Norton |
The situation of adolescent girls is particularly complex. Deep-rooted traditions of patriarchy and the subordination of women and girls, make it difficult for adolescent girls to realize their rights in many parts of the world.
Recognizing this reality, the United Nations Foundation supports projects to improve the quality of life of adolescent girls by assisting UN efforts to put in place focused and comprehensive strategies at country level. One of these projects is Meeting the Development and Participation Rights of Adolescent Girls, which is being implemented by UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Health Organization.
The overall project objective
Understand the situation of adolescents and effectively respond to the needs of adolescent girls, in many countries in partnership with adolescent boys. Develop innovative initiatives for concrete action to address the development and participation rights of adolescent girls to enable them to make informed choices. Demonstrate the partnership between various UN agencies. Create a positive profile for adolescents. Rally public opinion and donor interest.
High returns on investing in adolescent girls
Gender inequities limit the ability of adolescent girls and women to contribute to their society's social, economic and political growth and development, reducing productivity and overall development prospects, especially in poor countries. Research from the World Bank shows that investments in adolescent girls' development translate into significant, long-term benefits for entire societies.
Closing the gender gap in education adds 0.5 per cent to a country’s per capita Gross National Product. An extra year of schooling for girls reduces fertility by 5 to 10 per cent. Each year of schooling increases a woman's income by 10 to 20 per cent. Income earned and controlled by mothers has a 20 times greater effect on the health of their children compared with the same income controlled by fathers. Preparing adolescent girls for productive work increases their household income and improves their personal growth.
The project is implemented at Global and Country Level.
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Projects in focus
It's Time To Lisen To Us!
Read the youth response to the Report of the Expert Group Meeting on the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child.
Adolescent Girls Workshops and Meetings
UNICEF organized a side event at the 2007 Commision of the Status of Women bringing marginalized girls from 6 countries to voice their views on the CSW theme of eliminating discrimination and violence against the girl child. Read the summary of the event.
UNICEF and UNFPA organized a Technical Workshop on Programming for Marginalised and Disadvantaged Adolescent Girls held in Tanzania in 2006. Read the workshop report for more information on lessons learned and recommendations.
