UN Women organized an Educational talk with young girls leaders in the fight against HIV (RECAJ) in the backdrop of the 35th International Women’s day celebrations

The United Nations joins the International Community to celebrate the 35th edition of International Women's Day organized this year under the theme: “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights". 2020 is a pivotal year in the promotion of gender equality worldwide, as the international community assesses the progress made in favor of women's rights since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995. 2020 marks the launch of the “Generation Equality Forum” which is a civil society-centered, global gathering for gender equality, convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France and considered as the most progressive roadmap for the empowerment of women and girls around the world.

In Cameroon, International Women's Day is celebrated under the theme "Promotion of equality and protection of women's rights by 2020: Take stock of the actions carried out, set a new course".

The United Nations in Cameroon, through the Gender Theme Group, kicked off the celebrations with a set of cultural and social activities starting with the organization of an educational talk with an association of young girls leaders in the fight against HIV (RECAJ) under the theme: “Strategy for reducing HIV-related vulnerability” held on March 02, 2020 at the UN Women conference room. It is important to recall that HIV prevalence is 9 times higher among girls in the 15-24 age group than among boys and thus action must be taken to end this tragedy. Forty girls and boys participants appreciated the interactive discussions led by the facilitators of UN Women on various questions related to gender, such as social norms, the role of women in their own marginalization, women’s rights (employment, land, health, education, etc.).

The participants end up formulating a set of recommendations aiming to stand up for Gender Equality and “PUT YOUNG GIRLS FIRST”.