Resumen de Turning Policy into Action: One Adolescent’s On-the-Ground Activism
The battle to help improve women’s lives is taking place on two levels: on the policy level (such as the UN’s Millenium Development Goals) and on the ground, though local projects and NGOs. The author explores the connection between these two, based on her three years as an adolescent activist in countries such as Guatemala, Brazil and inner-city America. Harnessing the potential of young girls is a stated goal of the MDGs, as helping empower women brightens the future of not only themselves but also their families, communities and countries. Around the world, girls are denied access to contraception, family planning and the ability to hope for a brighter future. In addressing these issues, there are existing organizations that are working towards gender quality by: 1) Educating communities on the potential of young girls; 2) Providing girls with a voice to break generational-cycles, and 3) Making contraception and family planning accessible. Through the works of numerous organizations throughout the world, girls are obtaining a voice and by doing so, the entire world is reaping the positive effects.
