Youth-led Action for Adolescent Girls

Most girls don't grow up in a world of opportunity. They build one.

An illustration of three girls sitting at a lunch table at school
Njung'e Wanjiru

Adolescent girls and young women are interested in, committed to and capable of taking action and making change.  When given the chance to strengthen their skills and capacities, and work in partnership with adult and peer allies, they improve their own sense of self and purpose.

A photograph of a young girl from Jamaica holding a sign that reads: "We are no longer passive participants but active changemakers"
UNICEF

UNICEF is adapting the Youth-led Action Initiative alongside adolescent girls and young women to specifically support the needs of girls and young women to make change and accelerate their impact as leaders.  We engage adolescent girls in safe spaces where they can transform their powerful ideas and aspirations into concrete action. Working with existing girl/women-focused organizations, UNICEF will tailor the Initiative with additional knowledge-building to identify and address discriminatory norms, stereotypes and values; techniques to strengthen their confidence, public speaking, and decision-making capacities; and/or approaches to engage female allies as well as boys and men as part of their change-making efforts. At the same time, UNICEF will open up the important mentoring and connecting opportunities to help these young female change-makers achieve their change-goals.

Learn More About UNICEF's Work For and With Adolescent Girls