Malawi Map

Malawi

A situation analysis of adolescent girls in Malawi showed that most girls endure treatable health problems and lack vocational skills. They also have a high incidence of sexually transmitted infections, especially HIV/AIDS. Education is considered a waste for girls, as marriage is perceived as their ultimate goal. Their voices are barely heard.

As part of the Meeting the Development and Participation Rights of Adolescent Girls project, a major initiative was launched by UNFPA, UNICEF and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in 2001 with the Department of Youth, national youth councils, ministries, and local and national youth associations to address the issues identified.

The partners work with teachers, parents, community and youth leaders, peer educators and national leaders to reach married and unmarried, and in- and out-of-school girls between the ages of 11 and 20. At least 95 per cent of girls in Malawi will be reached by the end of 2004.

More information and activities on this project >>