Reproductive Health in Mali: UNESCO Empowers Youth to Drive Change
From October 8 to 12, 2024, UNESCO, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Mali, organized a training workshop in Fana to strengthen the capacities of 30 young members of civil society organizations (CSOs) in reproductive health, communication, and advocacy.
A Critical Challenge for Youth Health in Mali
Education for health and well-being in emergencies: spotlight on sub-Saharan Africa
While all adolescents and young people need life-saving skills to prevent and respond to issues such as gender-based violence, unintended pregnancy or HIV, this is all the more true for those in emergency situations, when risks increase significantly.
As part of its work on education in emergencies, UNESCO launched on 10 October a series of webinars aimed at building capacity and fostering knowledge exchange on the critical topic of ‘Education for health and well-being in emergencies.’
International Day of the Girl Child: Shining a light on the future through education
On 11 October 2024, the International Day of the Girl Child will be celebrated under the theme ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’. This theme expresses the urgency to act on the challenges girls face while highlighting the enduring hope they embody through their voices.
International Day of the Girl Child: Girls' Vision for the Future
The 2024 International Day of the Girl theme is ‘Girls’ vision for the future’.
This year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.
Today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty and pushback on hard won gains for human rights and gender equality. Too many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their futures.
A warrior against sexual abuse - Samira's Story
📢 "I needed so much more. I needed help... When you have the right information, you make the right choices, and you can have a better life" - Samira shares her true life story to prevent sexual abuse.
From girl to mother at 17 years old - Marie's story
In West and Central Africa 🌍, early and unintended pregnancies = major cause of school dropout. 📢"Education starts from the youngest age. If it's taboo at home, it's the school that must offer answers." - Today, Marie helps adolescent girls from her community access the health information and services they need.
From Commitment to Action: Taking forward the AU Continental Strategy on Education for Health and Well-being and other Political Commitments
At the 11th African Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Family Well-being in Rabat (29 February – 2 March 2024), a panel convened to tackle a critical next step – how to convert Africa's unprecedented political commitments around adolescent health education into tangible improvements in young people's lives.
It's time to speak out about HIV - Cinthia's Story
In West and Central Africa 🌍, only 24% of boys and 22% of girls aged 15-19 have comprehensive knowledge about HIV and AIDS. In addition, young girls are most at risk of contracting HIV. 📢 "It’s high time we speak up. It’s high time we feel free. It’s high time we speak about ourselves!” - Cinthia calls for action to overcome the stigma related to HIV .
AU Continental Strategy on Education for Health and Well-being of Young People in Africa
The EHW strategy represents an opportunity to build a more cohesive approach to health promotion that strengthens priorities and builds on policies and commitments already in place across member states. The ultimate aim of this is to advance a collective approach that meets the needs of learners and is feasible for delivery through the education sector.