A Multi-Congregational Observatory to advance girls’ rights in 6 countries in the post-pandemic: A joint effort to close the digital divide and guarantee girls’ mental health
Following up on a previous project held in 2022, IIMA and VIDES Human Rights Office in Geneva committed to develop coordinated advocacy actions to call the attention of the international community and in particular the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) on the rights of girls and young women and allow them to participate in events and initiatives where they have the chance to present their proposals and initiatives for policy change.
A team of 10 girls and young women across six countries (Ecuador, Kenya, India, Nepal, Peru and South Sudan) was selected as participants, informants, co-designers, and advocates to speak up about the identified issues, the innovative programs they are engaged in, and acquire the ability to converse with other girls, NGO’s and Member State Representatives.
To this end, the new project entitled “A Multi-Congregational Observatory to advance girls’ rights in 6 countries in the post-pandemic: A joint effort to close the digital divide and guarantee girls’ mental health” offered in November-December 2023 two online training sessions (in Spanish and English) addressed to 20 girls, young women (14 – 21 years old) and Salesian Sisters to develop capacities and mentor the young participants to effectively engage with UN system for the protection of Human rights, by developing oral statements and reporting to the Universal Periodic Review.
Starting from 2024, the project will also build on the experience of the “girls clubs” and girls leadership initiatives development by the Good Shepherd sisters in Latin America and Asia Pacific for the International Day of the Girl Child, cyber-security and quality education. Advocacy action will be carried out in accordance with UN Calendar in Geneva and New York. Finally, the results of the detailed study to be adopted by the HRC this year will be disseminated among national and international stakeholders through a side event, in order to raise awareness and boost national and international reflection on targeted topics.
We look forward to continuing engaging for the rights of girls and young women!