Education, Gender justice, Safety and wellbeing, Youth power
Will you stand with children this winter? Every gift will be doubled 🎁
Together with community-based partners around the world, we can create meaningful change for children, young people and communities — from improved education and accessibility to reducing violence, especially against girls.
Every gift counts & this winter every donation will be doubled thanks to a $10,000 match!
Regional Adolescent Girls Summit (AGS)
The Adolescent Girls Summit (AGS) is Global Fund for Children’s flagship adolescent‑led initiative in Africa, designed to amplify the voices of adolescent girls and advance gender justice across the region.
The Adolescent Girls Summit (AGS) is Global Fund for Children’s flagship, adolescent‑led initiative in Africa that centers the voices, leadership, and agency of girls in the fight for gender justice.
Since its inception, AGS has grown beyond a biennial convening into a transformative movement where adolescent girls — alongside boys as committed allies — drive conversations, shape agendas, and advocate for meaningful change on the issues that affect their lives, from education and health to gender‑based violence and policy influence. By creating inclusive spaces for connection, solidarity, skill‑building, and intergenerational dialogue, AGS amplifies the power of young leaders to spark lasting community and regional impact and to assert that adolescent girls are essential architects of their own futures.
The Evolution of AGS
Below is a timeline that highlights key milestones in the Summit’s journey — from its first regional gathering to its expansion as a dynamic platform led by adolescents across West Africa and beyond:
At the request of participating adolescent girls, boys are also included in the summit. AGS recognizes that achieving true gender equality requires the active involvement of boys as allies for change. The summit promotes healthy masculinities and provides a safe, respectful space where girls and boys learn to value one another, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and build relationships grounded in equality, mutual respect, and solidarity—not domination, competition, or societal expectations of power and control.
AGS is fully planned and facilitated by adolescents—with support from the GFC team, partner organizations, and youth mentors—placing girls’ leadership and perspectives at the center. The summit also serves as a powerful platform for intergenerational and policy dialogue, connecting adolescent girls with community leaders, policymakers, and funders to co-create solutions. Its impact extends beyond the event, driving grassroots action and reinforcing adolescents’ roles in shaping a more just and inclusive future.
Check out this video developed by young activists who took part in the 2024 Adolescent Girls Summit, skillfully using their musical talent to advocate for their rights:
Voices and Stories
Gender justice, Youth power
The first West Africa Adolescent Girls Summit: Advocating for equality
Education, Gender justice, Safety and wellbeing, Youth power