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A new report by UNICEF, UN Women, and Plan International assesses the progress and persistent challenges faced by adolescent girls globally over the past three decades. While significant strides have been made, such as higher school completion rates and legal reforms, deep-rooted inequalities continue to hinder adolescent girls’ rights and opportunities.
Despite improvements, 122 million girls remain out of school, with adolescent girls aged 15-19 more likely than boys to be neither in education, employment, nor training. Nearly 4 in 10 adolescent girls and young women do not complete upper secondary school, limiting their future prospects. Furthermore, 1 in 4 married or partnered adolescent girls have experienced intimate partner violence, and harmful gender norms persist—over one-third of adolescents believe a husband is justified in hitting his wife under certain conditions.
Health and nutrition disparities also persist, particularly in low-income countries. While the percentage of underweight adolescent girls has slightly decreased from 10% to 8% over the past 30 years, malnutrition and health risks remain critical issues. Additionally, 150 million adolescent girls live in countries that deny them equal inheritance rights.
The report underscores the urgency of accelerating progress as the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda approaches, revealing that no country has met even half of the SDG targets essential for adolescent girls’ well-being. To bridge these gaps, the report calls for policy changes, increased investments, and support for adolescent girls' movements to ensure their voices shape the future. Investing in adolescent girls not only transforms their lives but also strengthens families, communities, and economies. With actionable solutions and political will, we can create a world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive.
To download report: https://data.unicef.org/resources/girl-goals-report/
Source: UNICEF