“Economic power impacts on and intersects with all women’s rights issues and agendas – from reproductive and sexual rights to violence against women, education, political participation and health. Without economic systems that take account of women’s needs and realities and value their contributions, rights and justice are not possible”
2012 AWID Forum website 

The YCSRR is among the many grossroots, national, regional and international organizations attending the 2012 Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) Forum in Istanbul Turkey from April 19 to the 22, who come together in support of women’s rights, feminism and the empowerment of all women around the world.
 
Taking place every four years, the AWID Forum brings together activists, advocates, researchers, students, leaders and decision-makers, to strategizes, learn, network and celebrate. The theme of this year’s Forum is: Transforming Economic Power to Advance Women’s Rights and Justice. 

So, how can women’s economic empowerment advance their rights? What role do young people have in ensuring a more just, and gender equitable, society? What are the intersections between gender equality, women’s rights, and youth sexual and reproductive health and rights? 

The YCSRR AWID Forum delegation wants to hear from you! What is happening in your community, related to women’s rights, and the empowerment of young women and girls?

YCSRR members Kokou Senamé Djagadou, from Togo, and Wieke Vink, from The Netherlands, will participate in the AWID Forum where they will discuss and strategize with Forum participants from all around the world on issues related to: advancing laws and policies that promote and protect the health and well-being of  young women and girls, promoting policies and programmes that are gender equitable and rights-based, and eliminating legal, social and cultural barriers that prevent young women and girls from accessing the information and services they need to make the best possible decisions regarding their health and lives.    

Stay tuned for updates from Istanbul and be sure to share your thoughts with us via facebook and twitter (@youth_coalition)! For more information about AWID and the Forum, visit www.forum.awid.org and follow hashtag #AWIDforum for breaking news.