Girls and young women have a role in shaping society and are active participants in civic engagement and activism to promote gender equality.

Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney (ISF) researchers Dr. Keren Winterford and Tamara Megaw, joined by Sandra Dewi Arifiani, Iris Low and Leaine Robinson, are pleased to contribute research on girls’ civic engagement and activism to the Asia-Pacific Girls Report published by Plan International Asia-Pacific.

The ISF report forms part of a broader movement seeking to empower the voices of young women in shaping society through advocacy. Learning about the issues that girls and young women face across the Asia-Pacific, takes us a step closer in breaking down the barriers to gender equality and social inclusivity.

Working towards gender equality and an inclusive society is a highly relevant topic globally. The ISF report presents research which shapes an understanding of the support needed from governments, civil society and key stakeholders in order to instigate real change in addressing gender inequalities and discrimination.

The research analyses emerging trends of civic engagement and activism, including use of digital technologies and spaces by girls and young women. The report highlights and informs the ways in which governments and civil society can produce supportive financial and legal frameworks that encourage girls’ advocacy work.

The ISF report on Regional research on girls’ civic engagement and activism for gender equality in Asia-Pacific: breaking down barriers and unlocking their potential, paves a path towards:

• recognising female youth advocacy and their success stories
• highlighting enablers for girls to get equal rights and opportunities
• influencing and informing governments and civil society to support and build upon girl and youth-led movements
• mobilising youth-led organisations to support girls’ civic engagement and activism.