The report puts teenage girls and young women in focus. Young women are particularly vulnerable in regions affected by war and conflict.
- young women's voices about war, peace and power, 2007
The report puts teenage girls and young women in focus. Young women are particularly vulnerable in regions affected by war and conflict. They are often forced to quit school early.
Their freedom of movement is greatly limited, sometimes to the point of not even being allowed to meet their friends. Someone else is controlling their bodies, and their opinions are not taken seriously. They live in a reality where rape and other forms of sexual abuse are part of daily life.
All this affects their trust in themselves and in the future. But at the same time, teenage girls and young women are an active force in social change. If they receive support and the possibility to organise themselves, they can build their self-confidence and strength to demand their rights and to help steer society towards democracy, peace and progress.
Young women need more venues where they can freely talk about their problems and dreams. Meeting places can function as free zones where they can empower each other, exchange thoughts and decide how to go about changing the society around them.
The surrounding world has the responsibility of listening to teenage girls and young women. The international community must not betray them by refusing to recognise their needs.
Support to the organizing of young women must be prioritised. In Pushing the Limits - young women's voices about war, peace and power young women themselves are allowed to speak about problems and thoughts. That is why this report is so important. Conflict-affected regions cannot afford to ignore the knowledge and experience of young women: They are needed to help build sustainable peace!
Download the report here