From 13 to 16 October, the European Week of Action for Girls 2025 brought together a coalition of civil society organisations, including Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW), End FGM European Network, European Parliamentary Forum (EPF), IPPF European Network and Plan International EU. This year’s edition was held under the theme #InvestInGirls.
The 2025 edition took place at a pivotal moment as the European Union prepares negotiations on its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), creating an important opportunity to ensure that commitments to girls’ rights are backed by adequate resources and political action. Throughout the week, young advocates highlighted the importance of investing in girls’ leadership, health, education, participation, and protection from harmful practices
For the 2025 edition, we were proud to welcome youth advocates from across the globe, including Samsam Hassan (Belgium), Nafisabonu Urinkhojaeva (Tajikistan), Agusta Mapunda (Tanzania), Fredrick Ladius (Tanzania), Joel Omiyo (Kenya), Fátima Rafael (Portugal) and Louli Evangelista (France), bringing their diverse experiences and perspectives to discussions on advancing girls’ rights worldwide.
Building knowledge and advocacy skills
EWAG 2025 began with an in person capacity building programme where participants explored the campaign’s objectives and strengthened their understanding of European institutions and policymaking processes. Sessions focused on the role of the EU budget in advancing girls’ rights, effective advocacy strategies, and the use of social media as a tool for creating change and amplifying youth voices.
Throughout the week, advocates developed key messages, exchanged experiences, and prepared for meetings with policymakers, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to influence decision making at both local and international levels.
Bringing girls’ voices to EU decision makers
A central moment of the week was the event “Investing in Girls’ Rights” hosted at the European Parliament by Members of the European Parliament Marit Maij and Abir Al Sahlani. Young advocates from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia shared their experiences and recommendations on issues including civic participation, health, wellbeing and gender equality. Discussions focused on how EU policies and financing mechanisms can better prioritise girls’ rights and youth empowerment.
The event also featured contributions from the European Commission and provided an opportunity for direct dialogue between youth advocates and policymakers on the future of EU support for girls’ rights globally.
Direct engagement with European institutions
Beyond the public event at the European Parliament, advocates had several opportunities to engage directly with European institutions and decision makers. Two youth advocates spent a day alongside European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, gaining insight into her work and discussing how the EU can strengthen support for grassroots organisations and uphold girls’ rights globally. The experience provided a unique opportunity to exchange perspectives on the challenges facing girls and young women and the role of EU policies in addressing them.
Participants also took part in meetings hosted by the Swedish Permanent Representation, where they engaged in speed meetings with representatives from the Council Working Parties on Human Rights (COHOM) and International Partnerships (CODEV). These exchanges enabled advocates to share their priorities directly with EU representatives and highlight the importance of meaningful youth participation in shaping policies and funding decisions that affect girls around the world.
Looking ahead
The week concluded with a closing ceremony where participants reflected on the knowledge, skills and experiences gained throughout the programme. As advocates shared lessons learned and celebrated their achievements, they reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their advocacy efforts and amplifying girls’ voices beyond the European Week of Action for Girls.
More than a series of events, EWAG 2025 demonstrated the power of youth leadership, collaboration and direct engagement with decision makers. At a time when the European Union is preparing key decisions on its future budget and priorities, the messages delivered throughout the week underscored the need to place girls’ rights at the heart of EU external action and financing. By investing in girls’ leadership, wellbeing, education and participation, the EU can contribute to building a more equal, just and inclusive future for all.