30 years have passed since more than 30,000 women from 200 countries met at the fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing to declare, firmly, that the rights of women and girls are human rights. From that meeting the Beijing Action Platform arose, a historical commitment that, backed by 189 countries, laid the basis for advancing gender equality in 12 key areas. Three decades later, the achievements are undeniable: it has been reduced from 200 million in 2000 to 122 million in 2023, 39% less. At the same time, the prevalence of the adolescents aged 15 to 19 has been reduced from 47% to the early ninety to current 33%. More and more teenagers to claim their rights. However, these progress are fragile and unequal, and we are still far from guaranteeing a future in which all girls and young people have the same opportunities as their counterparts.
The report, jointly prepared by Plan International, UNICEF and UN Women to commemorate this anniversary, analyzes this period of great changes, risks and opportunities for girls. With only five years ahead to meet the, this report examines the advances achieved and the gaps that still persist in essential areas such as education, child protection and health.
Today, 122 million girls still do not school, many of them trapped in a cycle of poverty and discrimination that limits their future. In southern Asia, for example, the probability that a teenager does not access education, employment or training is three times greater than that of a boy of his age. In addition, almost 50 million girls and young women still do not know how to read or write a simple prayer. Education is the key to breaking the circle of inequality, and although there has been advances, there is still much to ensure that all girls receive the tools they need to prosper in a digital world and constantly change.
Today, one in five girls continues to marry before the age of 18, which seriously limits his education, his health and independence
Concha López, general director of Plan International
The for millions of girls and young people. One in four married teenagers has suffered violence at the hands of their partner, and more than 50 million girls. It is also alarming that more than a third of adolescents in the world believe that, in certain circumstances, it is justified that a man hit his wife. These data remind us of the urgency of sensitizing to change attitudes that perpetuate violence and inequality.
The female genital mutilation have decreased in the last 30 years, and in countries such as Burkina Faso or Liberia the percentage of girls under this practice has been reduced by half. However, the rhythm of change is still too slow. While in some countries significant progress has been made, in others the situation has barely improved. Today, one in five girls continues to marry before the age of 18, which seriously limits his education, his health and independence.
In terms of health and well -being, it has descended almost halfway in the last three decades, which represents a significant advance. However, every year, 12 million adolescents between 15 and 19 give birth, and complications in pregnancy and childbirth are still one of the main causes of death among the young women of this age range. If we want to ensure that all girls can develop their potential, it is essential to invest in access to quality health services.
The report makes it clear that advances have been significant, but not enough, and that the action cannot wait. It is urgent to listen to adolescents, include them in decision making and ensure that their needs and priorities are in the center of public policies. Investing in education, digital competencies, protection and health is the best guarantee to build a more fair and equitable world.
We cannot afford to take steps back. Equality is not only a fundamental right, but an investment in the future of the whole society. Let’s reaffirm our commitment to girls and young people around the world. His fight is ours. His future depends on what we do now.
