On March 19, 2025, during the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69/Beijing +30), a pivotal event titled “Centering Girls’ Agency: Inclusive and Holistic Approaches to Empowerment” was held, bringing together advocates, researchers, and grassroots organizations to discuss the progress and challenges in ending harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and advancing the rights of girls globally. Moderated by Susan Otieno, this powerful event, organized by ActionAid International Kenya, The Girl Generation, and Akili Dada, showcased the importance of girl-centered programming and the critical role of girls as agents of change in their communities.
A Platform for Girls’ Voices and Leadership
The event was a testament to the strength and resilience of girls when they are empowered and allowed to lead. A key takeaway from the discussions was the need to center girls’ voices and experiences in all initiatives. Whether it’s designing programs to prevent FGM or creating pathways to education, girls must be part of the decision-making process. As Susan Otieno, the moderator, stated, “We cannot talk about empowering girls if we are not actively listening to them and ensuring they lead the conversation.”
The importance of girl-led initiatives was highlighted by Florah Muchiri, representing Akili Dada, who shared the success of their work in Samburu County, Kenya. “When we involve girls in designing the programmes that affect their lives, the results are transformative,” Muchiri explained. “By tailoring curricula to meet their unique needs, integrating life skills, financial literacy, and leadership training, we enable girls to seize control of their futures.” This approach successfully transitioned 24 girls, initially marked for early marriage, into formal education
Huda Ahmed, from the Women Action for Advocacy and Progress Organisation (WAAPO) in Somaliland, echoed these sentiments, sharing her own success stories. “In Somaliland, girls who participated in life skills and entrepreneurship programs not only gained confidence but became leaders in their communities, rejecting harmful practices like FGM,” Ahmed said. “These initiatives have proven that when we give girls the tools to lead, they become advocates for their rights and inspire others to do the same.”
The Role of Research and Data in Shaping Effective Interventions
Dr. Dennis Matanda, a leading researcher at the Population Council, highlighted the importance of research and data in shaping impactful interventions. He pointed out one of the major challenges in designing effective programmes: the issue of social desirability bias. “Girls often feel pressured to give the ‘right’ answer when asked about their views on practices like FGM,” Dr. Matanda explained. “To truly understand their experiences, we must implement data collection methods that are inclusive and reflective of their actual attitudes.”
He also underscored that research should inform not just the design but the continual improvement of programs. “Programmes must evolve as we learn more about what works. Data and research should be seen as ongoing processes, not one-time tools,” he added.
Safe Spaces and Flexibility in Crisis Situations
The event also shed light on the importance of creating safe spaces for girls, particularly in conflict zones. Tinebeb Berhane, representing ActionAid Ethiopia, shared how their program adapted to operate in conflict-affected areas. “Even in the face of crisis, we must ensure that girls have access to safe spaces where they can engage in peer discussions and leadership development,” Berhane said. “By securing alternative venues and providing flexible solutions, we ensure that their education and leadership opportunities continue, no matter the circumstances.”
Berhane’s words were a stark reminder that in conflict zones, girls’ rights are often the first to be compromised. However, with adaptability and creativity, programs can continue to meet girls’ needs even in the most challenging situations.
Sustaining Momentum for Girls’ Rights
Despite the progress that has been made in advancing girls’ rights, there is still much work to be done. Ruth Graham from UNICEF called for sustained global attention on adolescent girls. “While we’ve seen improvements, like increased school enrollment for girls and a decline in adolescent birth rates, the funding for gender equality remains insufficient,” Graham said. “We need to ensure that girls are not only attending school but are also equipped with real assets, education, and leadership opportunities that will allow them to influence policy at the highest levels.”
Graham’s remarks emphasized the need for greater investment in girls’ education and leadership. “Investing in girls is not just about philanthropy; it’s about investing in a more just and equitable future for all,” she concluded.
Learning from the Past and Preparing for the Future
While the event celebrated the successes of girl-centered programming, it also identified critical areas for future focus:
- Expand Research and Data Utilization: To enhance intervention effectiveness, research methodologies must be refined, and implementers should be consistently engaged in the program design process.
- Prioritize Girls’ Leadership in Policy Spaces: Girls must not just be included in discussions but should have the power to shape policies that affect them. This includes ensuring their leadership is prioritized in global and national policymaking.
- Adapt Programming to Conflict and Crisis Situations: As evidenced by ActionAid Ethiopia’s adaptability, future programmes must integrate resilience and flexibility, ensuring that girls’ education and leadership opportunities continue even amid crises.
- Increase Investment in Girl-Led Movements: Investing in girl-led organizations with tangible resources will amplify their impact and ensure that advocacy translates into real, systemic change.
- Push for Greater Government Accountability: Governments must be held accountable for their commitments to girls’ rights. Civil society must continue to push for policy implementation and ensure that promises made on paper translate into action.
- Foster Cross-Organization Collaboration: Collaboration between organizations is essential for scaling up successful models. Co-created, locally tailored solutions work best, and partnerships can help ensure more girls receive the support they need.
Conclusion: The Future is Girl-Led
The Centering Girls’ Agency event reaffirmed a critical truth: girls are not just beneficiaries of programmes, they are leaders, changemakers, and advocates for their futures. The challenge now is to ensure that the momentum for girls’ rights continues beyond this event. The discussions must translate into concrete actions that create real, lasting change. By continuing to center girls’ voices and leadership, we can build a future where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality.
Thanks to the contributions of panelists such as Susan Otieno, Dr. Dennis Matanda, Huda Ahmed, Florah Muchiri, Tinebeb Berhane, Ruth Graham, Leyla Hussien, and many others, the event underscored the transformative potential of girls when their agency is centered and supported.
Editorial: Ezra Kiriago, Dorothy Mulei