25/09/2026
UN Women called, Lilian DIBO Foundation answered, and called AWHOLA.
53 Adolescent Girls and Youth Leaders Speak Up for Gender Equality and Inclusion On the 22 September 2026, Lilian DIBO Foundation, in collaboration with AWHOLA, brought together 53 adolescent girls and youth leaders with and without disabilities for a focused group discussion on:
“Youth and Adolescent Voices on Gender Equality and the SDGs.” The consultation created a safe and inclusive space for young people to speak openly about their experiences, their communities and the future they want to see.
Together, we reflected on Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, asking some very important questions:
🔹 What has really changed in our communities since the SDGs were adopted?
🔹 What has not changed, and continues to affect girls and young women?
🔹 What challenges are girls and young people still facing, especially girls and young women with disabilities?
🔹 What kind of society do young people want to live in?
🔹 And what must governments, communities, institutions and other stakeholders do differently to accelerate progress?
What made the session special was not only the number of participants, but the voices in the room. For some of the girls, this was their first time taking part in a structured consultation where they could openly share their opinions, listen to others and understand that global commitments like Agenda 2030 are not just things discussed at international meetings.
They are connected to their everyday lives.
The girls spoke about the realities they experience. They shared their concerns, hopes, frustrations and dreams. They also reminded us that inclusion cannot only be spoken about it must be experienced.
A girl with a disability must be able to participate.
A girl must be able to speak without being silenced.
A young person must be given the opportunity to influence decisions that affect their future.
And every girl, regardless of her ability or background, deserves to live in a society where her dignity, safety and rights are respected.
One thing became very clear during the discussion:
Young people are not just beneficiaries of development. They are part of the solution.
Their voices must be heard when policies are made. Their experiences must be considered when programmes are designed. And their ideas must have a place in conversations about gender equality and the future of our communities.
As discussions around Agenda 2030, gender equality and CSW71 continue, we must remember the young people who are often at the centre of these conversations but rarely given the opportunity to speak for themselves.
Progress should not only be measured by the commitments we make.
It should also be measured by the changes girls can see and feel in their everyday lives.
At AWHOLA, we will continue creating spaces where girls and young people with and without disabilities can speak, participate, learn, influence and lead. Because when people who have been unheard are given a platform, change begins.
AWHOLA :Breaking Silence, Building Strength.
