Adolescent girls have a vision for a better future: Let’s stand with them, and not in their way

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on the International Day of the Girl Child 

Every girl has a vision of what her life will bring. That dream needs to be supported and protected as she makes her journey from adolescence to adulthood. 

Yet, for millions of girls, adolescence is a time when doors slam shut. 

The gradual transition to adulthood is ended abruptly as early pregnancy and gender-based violence, including harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation, deprive them of their fundamental rights and choices. Poverty, protracted conflicts and chronic fragility make these risks even more likely.

Adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 in low- and middle-income countries have 21 million pregnancies a year; nearly half are unintended. For many of these girls, this means a life not just curtailed, but cut short altogether. Complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are among the leading causes of death for adolescent girls worldwide.

Last month, world leaders signed a global pact that included commitments to dismantle gender inequality and address the violations it fuels, which act as brakes on girls’ aspirations. They recognized that the peace and prosperity of our shared future depend on the ability of adolescent girls to exercise their human rights and reach their full potential.

When adolescent girls are healthy, educated, and empowered with skills and opportunities to shape a bright future, they and their children – if they choose to have them in adulthood – have greater chances at a better life.

At 600 million strong, adolescent girls have transformative potential – for themselves, their communities, and humanity as a whole.

On this International Day of the Girl and every day, let’s work to eliminate all the barriers that keep adolescent girls from reaching their full potential, and heed their call for the freedom to live in peace and determine their own life’s course. 

Adolescent girls have a clear vision of the future they want. Let’s support them in realizing this future; let’s stand with them, and not in their way.