In 2000, the Security Council adopted the ground-breaking resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security — the first to link women’s experiences of conflict to the international peace and security agenda. It focused on the disproportionate impact  of conflict on women, and called for their engagement in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. In 2015, the Security Council will convene a High-level Review to assess progress at the global, regional and national levels in implementing the resolution.

Photo: UN Women/Ellie van Baaren

Photo-UNWOMEN/Umatai Dauletova

By the shores of the deep blue Issyk-Kul Lake in the Tian Shan Mountains in north-eastern Kyrgyzstan, the sound of happy adolescent laughter echoes across the normally tranquil Sinegorye resort. In July 2014, more than 40 students and several teachers from seven regions of Kyrgyzstan gathered there to learn skills and deepen their knowledge of gender equality and the empowerment of girls.

Photo-UN Women/Marco Dormino

Today 1.8 billion adolescents make up the largest youth generation in history – and they are stirring nations and raising their voices! The challenges faced by young women and girls in particular are making headlines and spurring change around the world. As the UN marks International Youth Day on 12 August, throughout this month UN Women puts a spotlight on their struggles, strategies and achievements in a special In Focus package.

It all started with a visit to a rural Indian village. Sanchaita Gajapati Raju draws inspiration from her mother, who from a very young age instilled in her a deep civic sense and encouraged her to help those less fortunate. On a visit to an impoverished village, Sanchaita noted the lack of facilities and clean drinking water.

Perspective by Bharati Sadasivam, Gender Practice Team Leader