G7 must champion rights of adolescent girls amidst multiple crises
18 April 2024Plan International urges G7 leaders to prioritise the rights and well-being of adolescent girls at the upcoming summit. The vast global challenges they face, from hunger and conflict to limited education and the effects of climate change, demand urgent action.
The G7, wielding vast resources and global influence, has the power to significantly improve the lives of adolescent girls worldwide. The upcoming G7 Summit precedes the Summit of the Future, presenting a unique window to secure a brighter future for generations to come.
Adolescence is a critical juncture for girls, brimming with potential. However, instead of being empowered to reach their full potential, all too often, adolescent girls face a multitude of challenges that threaten to leave them behind.
Plan International, a leading advocate for children’s rights, urges G7 leaders to prioritise the rights and well-being of adolescent girls at the upcoming summit. The current landscape presents a critical opportunity to address the serious and growing gendered and intergenerational impacts of multiple crises on children and young people, especially adolescent girls.
Adolescent girls continue to face significant challenges
More than halfway through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adolescent girls continue to face significant challenges. They are often denied their rights, overlooked in policymaking, and disproportionately affected by issues like hunger, conflict, and climate change.
The projected cost of inaction for girls’ well-being across crucial areas like food security, education, and mental health is a staggering US$20.5 trillion. Conflicts and climate change exacerbate existing inequalities, further jeopardising the future of adolescent girls, particularly in developing countries. Shrinking civic space and the work of anti-rights movements can further restrict access to education, healthcare, and increases the risk of harmful practices like child marriage.
Plan International urges the G7 to prioritise the rights and well-being of adolescent girls. The vast global challenges they face, from hunger and conflict to limited education and the effects of climate change, demand urgent action.
To create a brighter future, the G7 must take decisive steps. This includes increased funding for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on girls’ needs, prioritising programmes that address gender-based issues in hunger crises, and integrating child rights, particularly for girls, into climate policies.
Additionally, the G7 should champion girls’ voices in policymaking, report on progress made on previous commitments regarding gender equality and education, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and ensure open civic space for youth participation, especially through supporting girls’ leadership initiatives. By taking these actions, the G7 can chart a course towards a more just and equitable future for all.
Download our full letter here:
Plan International's Letter to G7 Leaders 2024
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Emergencies, Child protection in emergencies, Climate change, Education in emergencies, Food crisis
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