There is considerable concern that the world will miss its target of reducing new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) below 100,000 by 2020. Yet, never before have the evidence, tools, and science on effective prevention been more readily available than they are now.

This dialogue will give voice to the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the next generation of female leaders in the HIV response. Panelists will showcase innovative campaigns to galvanize a sustainable movement; stimulate intergenerational dialogue on how country-owned responses have elevated AGYW participation in the national and regional discourse; and examine whether existing investments are sufficient to turn the tide. Additional information is available here.

Date and time: Thursday, 26 July, 07:00 – 08:30am

Register for SHE is the Future

Source: UNICEF

About the Award

In East and Southern Africa, 35% of women are married before age 18. Globally, over 650 million women alive today were married as children. Child marriage is rooted in gender inequality and is exacerbated by poverty, insecurity and conflict.

Launched in 2018, RIATT-ESA in partnership with the the African Union and with support from Media Monitoring Africa, launched an award for journalists reporting on Child Marriage. The award was developed in support the African Union Campaign to End Child Marriage Campaign, in an effort to enhance the promotion and protection of the rights of girls and women in Africa. The primary objective of the Award is to promote reporting of child marriage issues; hence raising public awareness, understanding and galvanizing action against child marriage.

The first awards were handed out in 2019 during the during the 3rd STC & SDLE of the African Union.