Patriarchal control over sexuality continues to drive discrimination against women and girls. Many women and adolescent girls face restrictions on their choices about their own bodies and sexual behavior.
As girls reach adolescence, societal anxiety about their emerging sexuality often leads parents to limit their mobility and freedom. In many communities, parents restrict girls’ access to school, friends, work and public life. Fearful of the social consequences of premarital sex and the risk of sexual assault, some families arrange marriage for girls as early as possible—often against their will.
AJWS supports research that showcases how organizations and grassroots groups are:
- Tackling the taboo of discussing sexuality
- Addressing harmful social norms around gender and sexuality
- Advancing the sexual health and rights of women and adolescent girls