Plan International welcomes the G20 declaration issued on December 1 for its clear and unambiguous commitments to the rights of girls and women.
Leaders of the G20 nations pledged not only to mainstream gender across the whole G20 agenda, but also to strengthen the participation of underrepresented and vulnerable groups within the workforce.
They also pledged to improve the employment situation of young people, and to take action to eradicate child and forced labour, as well as human trafficking and modern slavery – issues that disproportionately affect girls and women.
We particularly welcome the G20’s detailed commitments to promoting women’s economic empowerment; to work with the private sector to improve labour conditions; and to reduce the gender pay gap.
Their emphasis on promoting women’s access to leadership and decision-making positions, as well as to the development of digital skills and participation in STEM and high-tech sectors among girls and women, are also to be applauded.
The leaders also underlined the importance of education for girls and emphasised the continued need for initiatives to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls as well as gender-based violence.
The G20 summit declaration represents a positive step towards the goal of a just and equal world for girls and women and a positive, safer future for all children.
