United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is pressing ahead with efforts to improve gender equality, especially for adolescent girls, according to its 2024 Annual Results Report. No country with data has reached even half of the key Sustainable Development Goal targets for girls, but UNICEF says it has passed 70 percent of its goals under its Gender Action Plan for 2022–2025.
The agency has grown programs to fight anemia and prevent HIV. Mental health support is also expanding for girls, boys, and women. More trained community workers are now offering health, nutrition, and vaccination services, helping more young people get the care they need.
UNICEF has stepped up its use of gender data to guide programs, including in emergencies. Its budget for gender-focused work grew from 11 to 14 percent, moving closer to the UN’s goal of 15 percent. The agency reached gender balance in staff worldwide, including leaders, and is making its workplace fairer and more welcoming.
Among the highlights, UNICEF reached over 30 million people in 63 countries through programs for adolescent girls. Work with the United Nations Population Fund helped over 10 million girls by tackling child marriage and female genital mutilation. UNICEF now partners with 82 country offices working with local girls’ and women’s groups—that’s 30 more than two years ago—with $142 million in funding.
The report shows steady progress but also points to the ongoing challenge of meeting girls’ needs everywhere. Keeping up the focus and funding will be key to closing gender gaps and supporting girls and young women worldwide.
