Policy, Research and Influencing

Our policy, advocacy and research work aims to influence governments globally, to realise the rights of children and young people living in the poorest and most fragile parts of the world.

We partner with policy makers, parliamentarians, young people, the media and civil society networks to promote gender equality and girls’ rights. We use the evidence and learning from our research and programmes to support children and young people to advocate on the issues that matter to them.

Our policy and advocacy team work on a number of key issues that children face around the world, including gender inequality and gender-based violence, exploitation, access to education and adolescent health. Discover more below and explore our latest reports, blogs and research.

Sarita and Sabina are campaigning to end trafficking in Nepal — *Over 46,000 people*
stood with youth advocates Sabina and Sarita to end the trafficking of girls in Nepal

Youth advocates Hope and Georgina from Kenya — *Over 46,000 people*
stood with youth advocates Sabina and Sarita to end the trafficking of girls in Nepal

Girls in crisis

Around the world, more than 500 million adolescent girls are living in countries affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. In these environments, girls face increased challenges, including limited access to education, increased domestic work, the risk of gender-based violence and exploitation, child marriage and early pregnancy.

Through our policy and research work, we’re highlighting the voices of girls growing up in crises, whose unique situation is often overlooked, to ensure they get the protection and support they need.

Real Choices, Real Lives

Our Real Choices, Real Lives research study is following 142 girls across nine countries – Benin, Brazil, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Philippines, Togo, Uganda and Vietnam – from birth to 18.

Now reaching adolescence, the girls and their parents describe what it means to be a girl in their family and community, and how age, poverty and gender impact their lives.

Their stories