Adolescent girls throughout the world face a double disadvantage; they are not only discriminated against because of their gender but also because of their age, which often results in them being pushed to the fringes of society.

In the Arab Region, particularly in humanitarian settings, these young individuals face profound limitations when it comes to exercising their agency and autonomy, including their bodily autonomy. They are at a higher risk of various forms of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, child marriage, and sexual exploitation. They also face systematic disadvantages in multiple sectors, particularly health, education, and labour force participation.

Join the UNFPA and its partners in this special side-event to the Women Deliver Conference 2023, which will explore the dreams, realities, triumph of adolescent girls in the Arab Region, in addition to highlighting the critical role they must play in shaping the world of tomorrow. Th event is taking place on July 19, 2023, at the  Kigali Convention Center, 11:30 – 13:00 Central Africa Time(GMT+ 2), Room AD11. 

We at UNFPA have long recognised the critical role adolescent girls must play in shaping the world of tomorrow. We know that young people are foundational to achieving gender equality and a world without violence, and we recognise that more work is needed to ensure they feel safe, heard, understood, and appreciated, and that they have access to gender and age sensitive services, including sexual and reproductive health. This is why, over the past several years, we have intensified programming that not only targets adolescent girls but is also shaped by their voices and insights.

This side event aims to shed light on the experiences of adolescent girls in the Arab States, specifically focusing on the challenges they face in relation to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health issues. Through the event, participants will delve into the personal narratives of adolescent girls, exploring their struggles, aspirations, and success stories. 

At the conclusion of the event, the "advocacy asks," which the girls themselves expressed to leaders and decision makers, will be presented.