BRAC participates in World Bank’s Adolescent Girls Initiative Workshop

The World Bank launched the Adolescent Girl’s Initiative (AGI) in October 2008 to promote the transition of adolescent girls into productive employment. The initiative is currently being implemented in Afghanistan, Liberia, Nepal, Rwanda and South Sudan.Last week AGI project teams from all implementing countries met at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC, for a Technical Workshop to share their recent experiences, and brain storm on what really works to help young women into work. Presentation were made by all implementing teams, as well as experts and donors like the Population Council and the Nike Foundation.

The Program Manager for AGI, Mr. K.M. Ferdous presented BRAC Southern Sudan’s project design and implementation plan to the group. The project will deliver life skills and livelihood training to 3000 adolescent girls (age 15-24) across 4 states in South Sudan: Central Equitoria, Eastern Equitoria, Jonglei and Lakes. The project will establish 100 village-level Adolescent Clubs to provide safe spaces for girls and young women to socialize and receive training. A census of the identified areas has just concluded, and the baseline survey for impact evaluation is currently underway.

BRAC Southern Sudan is launching the AGI initiative at a critical time. With the referendum for independence looming, the population lives in the shadow of a two decade long civil war and severe neglect. The women and girls, who make up 55% of the population, have borne the brunt of the atrocities that come with war and poverty. Female illiteracy rates stand at 92%, while the prevalence of “bride price” makes marrying daughters a source of income, promoting early marriages and early pregnancy. The fertility rate is 6.7 while maternal mortality is among the highest in the world with over 1,700 deaths per 100,000 births.

BRAC in Southern Sudan’s AGI program is focused on breaking this vicious cycle that girls in South Sudan have been locked into, and empowering them socially and financially to be confident, independent and lead dignified lives, while being advocates of change within their households and communities.