Five hundred and eight adolescent girls living in poverty in 14 countries across four continents were asked what they need to have a chance to reach their potential.
More than 25 of the world’s leading organizations, using their vast years of experience working with girls and the best evidence available, developed this Declaration with girls, for girls and for the world.
Now is the moment. Real things need to change for girls and for the world. Adolescent girls are not part ofjust one issue, they are key to every sustainable solution.
Guiding Principles
1. Plan with me, design for me
Use insights directly from girlsto sharpen the design, implementation and evaluationof programs and services.Build relationships and social networks with girls so their voices are heard in key institutions.
2. Make me visible, make me count
Collect, disaggregate and analyze data in all sectors by age and sex and use it to improve programs, influence policy and track progress. Data helps drive smarter, more strategic and targeted investments. At a minimum, analyze data by sex and five-year age segments (10-14, 15-19) to ensure that no girl is left behind. No data revolution will be complete without this.
3. Give me a fair share of the money you spend to fix things because we girls give more back
Allocate dedicated and targeted funding for adolescent girls across program and policy budgets. At a minimum, make budget allocations commensurate with adolescent girls’ needs and potential to drive positive change.
4. Think of me now, because nowis when I need you most;and now is when it will makethe most difference
Intentionally focus on adolescence (ages 10-19) and invest early, before girls undergo the physical, emotional and social changes associated with puberty.
Design policies and programs to ensure adolescence is a healthy and safe transition to adulthood, not a period in which girls areleft out.
5. Don’t forget me because I’m too poor, too distant, too silenced for you to know I am here
In the quest for scale, it’s easy to overlook the most marginalized – including adolescent girls in emergency, conflict and post-conflict settings even though reaching them can help end the cycle of conflict. Plan for the most marginalized from the beginningto ensure they aren’t left outat the end.
6. Don’t hold me back
Tackle discriminatory social norms that govern adolescent girls’ daily lives and have significant and enduring consequences. Mobilize communities, families, men and boys to support adolescent girls.
7. Laws should be fair;make and enforce ones that respect and protect me
Pass laws and ensure accountability to legal policies and frameworks that protect the rights of girls and give them access to justice. At a minimum, governments must meet international obligations and hold those who violate rights of adolescent girls accountable.