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.
I recently spoke on a Council on Foreign Relations panel on maternal health after a special screening of the film ‘No Woman, No Cry’ directed by Christy Turlington Burns and produced by Dallas Brennan Rexer. The film shows the dangers of childbirth when adequate medical care is unavailable. The film extraordinarily captures the real time drama of giving birth. It is a deeply affecting film, which makes the viewer aware of the high risks of procreation, particularly when coupled with poverty.
MyBRAC Feature – Akhi, a WASH(Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Program) TeenagerWhen Akhi (right) was five years old, her village had no school and she wondered if she would ever receive an education. Since then, she has been able to take advantage of the opportunities BRAC has given her to become a well-rounded, educated young person. She attended a primary school that BRAC built in her village until she was ten. After finishing primary school, she joined BRAC’s adolescent development program, where twice a week she joins other girls to study, share stories, and learn from one another in a safe place.