Agency and Empowerment for Adolescent Girls: An Intentional Approach to Policy and Programming

This study draws together the evidence on what we know works for adolescent girls, as well as literature on positive strengths-based programming

Abstract

As national governments roll out covid response plans, an opportunity arises to recast adolescent girls鈥� programmes and development policies to anchor them on girls鈥� voices, leadership, ambitions and assets. Drawing together the evidence on what we know works for adolescent girls, as well as the growing literature on positive strengths-based programming, this commentary calls for a girl-intentional approach to policy and programming. A girl-intentional approach is described through 3 case studies, which illustrate the additionality of new or improved adolescent knowledge, skills and competencies; improved opportunities for adolescent engagement, voice and agency; improved community support; stronger relationships; and healthier norms, attitudes, values and goals. 皇冠体育app case studies describe programme hooks that facilitate operationalisation, point to measurable outcomes and identify opportunities for scale, including the reopening of schools. Overall, inter-sectoral solutions addressing the myriad issues affecting adolescent girls and tackling pervasive gender inequities require greater emphasis by development actors and governments.

This work is an output of the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) programme

Citation

Banati, P., Rumble, L., Jones, N. and Hendriks, S. (2021) Agency and Empowerment for Adolescent Girls: An Intentional Approach to Policy and Programming鈥� Journal of Youth Development 16(2-3): 239鈥�254

Updates to this page

Published 13 January 2022