Through strategically selected legal cases, AGLDF attempts to address and rectify the unique and devastating human rights abuses faced by adolescent girls.
For many girls the critical adolescent years are shaped by harmful experiences that are oftentimes irreversible and irreparable. As women they are often further subjected to violence, poverty and severe health problems as a result. AGLDF supports and publicizes strategically selected legal cases, diversified to represent the most common and compelling human rights abuses of adolescent girls. Current cases involve sex tourism, child marriage, incest, female genital mutilation and rape.
AGLDF supports cases that have the potential to have precedent-setting impact on a variety of issues, each identified as a core problem in its particular country. We work for: Increased legal protections for girls through impact litigation and law reform; Enhanced capacity of communities to address adolescent girls' human rights; and Greater visibility and public policy impact of cases, nationally, regionally and internationally.
Equality Now believes that with the Adolescent Girls' Legal Defense Fund we will foster an environment where laws that protect and promote the rights of women and girls are implemented and respected. Tangent to this is media exposure of these violations to educate the public and inform them of the harm and consequences, both legal and emotional, for the victims and their communities. Through better laws and their implementation coupled with public awareness we can bring about systemic change.
