Research and Reports

The United States Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls

Read this report to learn about U.S. government efforts to ensure all adolescent girls are educated, healthy, empowered, and free from GBV and discrimination.

Young girl stands by a window wearing a red scarf
Parisa (11 years old) pictured near a window in her home. Before the Taliban took control, Parisa’s mother worked hard to ensure she attended school every day. Now, her future, and the future of all Afghan girls remain uncertain. Too Young to Wed (TYTW)

Published Date

October 9, 2024

Published Date

October 9, 2024

Description

Adolescence is a key developmental life phase for young people when significant physical, emotional, and social changes interact with powerful societal norms and systems to shape their futures. With roughly half the world’s population under the age of 30, a concerted effort is needed to address the significant and specific challenges adolescents, especially adolescent girls, face as they transition to adulthood. 

The development outcomes and overall progress of this population will be an essential determinant of any success in achieving greater economic growth, democracy, and stability. Efforts to safeguard their human rights and to promote their participation in their societies and economies are critical to advancing U.S. foreign policy, national security, and international development priorities. 

This 2024 strategy update responds directly to a Congressional request to update the 2016 U.S. Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls.

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