I’ve just returned from a series of meetings in New York. With the UN General Assembly [21] and the annual Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) [22] conference taking place, the energy in the international development community was palpable.
I was especially excited to learn about the new Girls Not Brides [23] initiative launched at CGI by The Elders [24] in partnership with the Ford and Nike Foundations, as gender [25] is one of IREX’s core focus areas. Our recent success story [26] highlights IREX’s use of interactive theater methodology to help communities address local challenges including child marriage [26], bride-napping [27], and other social issues.
Whether it’s through Tech Age Girls [28] to build young women’s leadership skills or through initiatives that foster community dialogue like the Youth Theater for Peace [29] program, IREX remains committed to gender equality and to helping girls and young women achieve their full potential.
We wish the best to Girls Not Brides organizers and hope there may be opportunities to join our efforts for this important cause.