LEADERSHIP FOR ADOLESCENTS: UNICEF LAUNCHES ADOLESCENT GIRLS ADVISORY BOARD (AGAB) IN BUEA
UNICEF Cameroon has successfully launched the Adolescent Girls Advisory Board (AGAB) in Buea, marking a significant commitment to promoting the rights of adolescent girls. The event, held at the Women’s Empowerment Centre in Buea Town on July 18, 2024, was graced by notable figures including Nadine Perrault, Representative of UNICEF Cameroon, the Representative of the Governor of the South West Region, regional delegates, UN agencies, and religious organizations, among others.
As part of UNICEF’s implementation of the third priority of the 2022–2026 cooperation program, entitled Protective Learning Environment, a consultation with adolescents was conducted through focus groups. The aim was to listen to their needs and design packages tailored to their requirements.
The event began with a keynote speech from Nadine Perrault, who highlighted the power of adolescent girls in decision-making and the child's rights. According to Nadine, the forum provides a launching pad for shaping policies, programs, and initiatives that can make a real difference in the lives of countless girls and create opportunities for them to thrive.
“For AGAB to have an effective role in the development of adolescent girls in Buea, as well as in the broader Northwest and Southwest regions, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Key areas include access to quality education, reproductive health and access to services, life skills and capacity-building opportunities, and addressing protection concerns,” Nadine said.
She called AGAB members to be ambassadors of UNICEF’s core values and exemplify what they have learned among their peers. She reminded them that AGAB demands a strong commitment from each member to be role models and influence other girls to join the movement.
“Enhance your outreach by networking and adopting an inclusive approach to offer this platform to more young girls to voice their concerns and seek opportunities. Use data to speak with evidence, as it carries more weight and can be taken seriously.”
Nadine concluded by urging parents and guests present to invest in girls’ leadership by creating spaces and platforms for girls to have their voices heard at all levels of policymaking and by cantering actions and leadership of girls in all programs.
Following the keynote speech was a video presentation by the AGAB ambassadors, presentations on various topics, and a slam poetry performance by adolescent girls trained by Stage Live. The event's highlight was a discussion session where AGAB girls had the opportunity to ask questions to government authorities, who then committed to improving adolescent girls' lives in the region. The Governor and other government authorities took turns addressing questions on issues such as attacks on education, child sexual assault, gender-based violence, and drug abuse, all tackled by the girls as decision-makers trained and nurtured by UNICEF.
In her closing speech, the representative of the governor called on parents to be the first champions in protecting the wellbeing of their children and to train them according to moral values.
In an interview with the press, Ndefua Marie Claire Akawung, one of the Ambassadors focused on the fight for children’s rights to education, highlighted her commitment to the Adolescent Girls Advisory Board (AGAB). She shared that her involvement with AGAB has enhanced her ability to speak publicly and mentor other young girls to advocate for the right to quality education for all children in crisis.
“I advocate for education in my country because the ongoing crisis has severely impacted education and children’s well-being. In the Southwest Region, I see children facing numerous challenges just to attend school. This has inspired me to champion quality education for all children. This is my engagement with AGAB UNICEF,” said Marie Claire.
UNICEF has been instrumental in advancing the welfare of children through various initiatives. These include programs aimed at improving access to quality education, enhancing reproductive health services, and providing life skills and capacity-building opportunities. UNICEF’s focus on creating protective learning environments has significantly impacted the lives of children in the region, ensuring they are safe, educated, and empowered. By establishing platforms like AGAB, UNICEF continues to amplify the voices of adolescent girls, ensuring their concerns and aspirations are at the forefront of policymaking and community development.
