Amplifying Adolescent Voices: PMNCH Promotes 1.8 Campaign at the Girls Deliver Pre-Conference of Women Deliver 2023

At the Girls Deliver pre-conference that took place on 16 July in Kigali, Rwanda, PMNCH and partners shone a spotlight on the critical issues facing adolescent girls today, and championed their empowerment. The event brought together powerful leaders, including Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai and political activist and leader Stacey Abrams alongside girls from around the world, who called for comprehensive investments and interventions to address the complex and unique challenges faced by adolescent girls worldwide. 

PMNCH and partners highlighted the 1.8 Billion Young People for Change campaign, aimed at amplifying young voices and turning their demands into actionable change spearheaded by world leaders.

During a panel discussion, Condolizzarice Akumawah, an adolescent advocate from Cameroon, stressed the importance of centering girls in conversations surrounding their well-being. She highlighted the need for increased funding and financing to address the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls, while emphasizing that solutions should be shaped by those directly affected.

Malala Yousafzai, stressed the collective obligation to invest in the future of adolescent girls, not just through words but through concrete actions. She urged leaders to match the determination and resilience young girls are already demonstrating in advocating for their rights, emphasizing the critical role they play in driving positive change.

The Girls Deliver pre-conference also provided a platform to discuss the intersection of climate change and adolescent girls' well-being. In a session co-hosted with UNICEF, participants explored the impact climate change is already having on the health and well-being of girls whilst also emphasizing the power of girl-led climate action on communities and global advocacy movements. Adolescent girls are disproportionately affected by climate change, with women accounting for 80% of those displaced and young children carrying a significant burden of climate-related diseases.

The conversations emphasized that young girls are not only concerned about the environment but are also actively advocating for better policies and sustainable solutions. Their voices, however, remain underrepresented at the global and decision-making levels, and it is everyone’s responsibility to provide them with opportunities for meaningful participation.

Young leaders at the conference called on decision-makers to make commitments and prioritize the demands of adolescent girls for the well-being of the 1.8 billion young people worldwide.

To foster meaningful engagement, PMNCH facilitated breakout sessions where participants had the opportunity to connect with young women and understand the nuanced challenges they face when participating in climate agenda discussions as well as how to close the gap between grassroot youth-led organizations and the global sphere. It became evident that accessible information on climate change, capacity building, and financial support are crucial for enabling girls to be active participants and advocates in tackling climate issues.

PMNCH also co-hosted an inclusive, multi-sectoral, and intergenerational dialogue with Fondation Botnar. Key takeaways included the need to prioritize adolescent voices and to integrate the diverse issues faced by young girls into the conversation. The discussion resonated with participants, who acknowledged the value of learning from those who have lived experiences and emphasized the importance of reaching, and including, the 1.8 billion young people, particularly adolescent girls. Participants also reinforced the importance of integrated approaches when it comes to addressing the health and well-being of adolescent girls.

With the momentum generated at Girls Deliver, the 1.8 Billion Young People for Change campaign will continue to engage young people in decision-making processes, holding leaders accountable for their promises, and taking concrete steps toward creating a brighter future for all.