By challenging existing ideas of “data" and "evidence” we can explore the barriers and opportunities that youth advocates face in driving change.

What are the current pathways for youth participation in research?

To prevent and end gender-based violence (GBV) intersecting issues (such as social and gender norms, and vulnerabilities of specific groups) must be addressed. Critically, all strategies for using data on these intersectional issues must prioritize youth and survivor voices. This is particularly true in both development and humanitarian contexts.

Learning exchange: adolescents & GBV activists

As part of Women Deliver 2023, Together for Girls and Population Council's GIRL Centre hosted a dynamic discussion on what constitutes “data & evidence”. Challenging these existing notions, speakers shared concrete examples of evidence- driven advocacy.

Manuela Balliet Ahogo

Africa regional research advisor, Together for Girls

Read her blog: Proven: The power of data-driven advocacy to protect children

Kanga Rasi

Africa campaign manager, Brave Movement

Anisie Byukusenge

Programmes assistant Francophone countries, Purposeful

Farida Yolande

Youth delegate, Plan International Burkina Faso

This side session was part of Girls Deliver, the pre-conference to Women Deliver 2023, which prioritizes the input and knowledge from adolescent girls in advancing gender equality.

The focus was primarily on trauma-informed approaches, and shifting conceptions of ‘evidence’ and ‘expertise’; exploring perspectives from youth; and discussing how NGOs, INGOs and funders can better diversify concepts of data/evidence to engage youth and other impacted groups in research implementation, uptake, and use.