When we created the Girl Declaration, more than 500 adolescent girls were consulted across 14 countries. Andressa’s story reflects the challenges faced by many of the girls we spoke to...

Violence against women and girls

Like many of the girls who contributed to the Girl Declaration, 16-year-old Andressa from Brazil talked about the risks of violence she faces as a girl. "Assaults, shootings," she says. "I won't lie that a lot of things happen here." That's why goal 3 of the Declaration is about ensuring girls’ safety, so they can live free from the fear of violence and harassment.

Andressa also talks about her determination to get an education so she can create a better life for herself and her family. That determination was echoed by all the girls consulted, which is why goal 2 of the Declaration focuses on improving girls' access to schools and the quality of education they receive.