Realities of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Kinshasa
Research About Girls, By Girls
The Realities of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Kinshasa: Research About Girls, By Girls, the La Pépinière programme’s flagship report, aims to improve understanding of the situation and everyday realties of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Kinshasa. It draws on qualitative research conducted in mid-2015 by a team of 15 Congolese girl researchers recruited, trained and mentored by the La Pépinière programme. It focuses on AGYW’s experiences, perceptions and aspirations with respect to their economic and social empowerment. The report also draws on analysis conducted of national survey data and wider literature on AGYW in DRC.
The report is written for all government, donors, civil society and private actors whose policies and programmes affect – whether directly or indirectly - the lives of adolescent girls and young women in Kinshasa, and more widely in DRC. It aims to provide evidence to support these stakeholders to ensure that their policies and programmes are developed in line with the priorities expressed by AGYW themselves, and that they address the most important factors that facilitate or impede the empowerment of and positive outcomes for AGYW.
This summary describes the girl-led approach and methodology used, and summarises key findings around perceptions and norms around AGYW; their economic and social lives; their decision-making power; what empowerment means to them; and their aspirations and dreams for the future. This summary concludes with key recommendations for policymakers, practitioners and researchers.