As UN Women, we seek to empower both young women and young men to become influential partners in gender equality and women’s empowerment. In order to do this, we have 6 focus areas.

Strengthening the leadership of young women in all spheres; economic empowerment and skills development of young women; taking action on ending violence against young women and girls; strengthening participation, voice, and partnerships with young women and their organizations; partnerships with young men as partners of gender equality; and strengthening intergenerational partnerships throughout the life cycle to achieve a gender transformative society. All of these strong yet do-able actions can become game-changers if we act together, and boldly. Promoting girls’ empowerment and protecting girls from all forms of violence must be at the heart of the global development agenda as well as the development agenda here in Turkey. It is in our hands to make this possible through provision of adequate services and comprehensive prevention efforts. By providing girls and women with access to education, by ensuring their sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as engaging men and boys in the promotion of gender equality, we can protect and empower girls. The International Day of the Girl Child is an opportunity to step up collective action to break the cycle of violence and discrimination against girls and women. Empowering girls today makes for a safer, healthier, more prosperous and sustainable tomorrow.