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Pacific Girl and UNICEF collaborate to empower adolescent girls and boys across the Pacific
The Pacific Girl programme, part of the Human Rights and Social Development Youth Desk at the Pacific Community (SPC), in partnership with UNICEF, is leading a transformative approach to gender equality by engaging both adolescent girls and boys in the Pacific.
This collaboration fosters inclusive dialogue and action, ensuring all adolescents are active participants in creating positive change.
Since its inception in 2019, Pacific Girl has reached over 7,000 girls across the Pacific, empowering them to take on leadership roles, engage in advocacy, and participate in training on gender equality and human rights.
Building on this success, the partnership with UNICEF has expanded to include adolescent boys through the Young Pasifika Wayfinders advisory group, comprising boys from Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Tonga, Cook Islands, Samoa, FSM, and Palau. The advisory group collaborates with UNICEF to co-design initiatives and lead advocacy on issues such as mental health, gender equality, and online safety.
Findings from the 2024 Pacific Girl Mid-Term Review and the UNICEF-led study on adolescent boys show that programmes are far more effective when boys are engaged as allies, helping challenge gender stereotypes and support girls’ leadership and rights.
More recently, Pacific Girl and UNICEF facilitated a talanoa session for adolescent girls and boys in Fiji, following strict safeguarding protocols. This session provided a safe space for young people to discuss gender, rights, and advocacy.
A social media campaign based on the CEDAW for Adolescents Brief, adapted by UNICEF Pacific, was discussed. This social media campaign is a practical and easy guide to help the young adolescent girls and boys understand their rights.
Looking ahead, watch out for the CEDAW social media campaign, where Pacific adolescent girls and boys will share their stories and insights, advocating for gender equality and the realisation of their rights.
