The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) concluded its three-part webinar series “Thriving in Safety: Advancing Adolescent Health and Rights and Ending Gender-Based Violence in Central and West Africa” with a final session on November 13, 2025. The series, launched in 2024 to mark the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action, aimed to explore the intersection of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It promoted regional knowledge exchange, highlighted evidence from local experiences, and encouraged dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to strengthen adolescent health and wellbeing in Central and West Africa.
The first webinar, “A Regional Overview: Evidence, Challenges and Opportunities,” provided an overview of the policy and program landscape surrounding adolescent SRHR and GBV. Experts discussed how research can inform better protection and empowerment of adolescents, who represent nearly a quarter of the region’s population. The session revealed that adolescent girls continue to face high rates of child marriage, early pregnancy, female genital mutilation, and sexual violence, while weak policy frameworks and poor enforcement exacerbate these challenges. Panelists called for meaningful youth participation in policymaking, comprehensive sexuality education, inclusive SRHR services, and better data to guide interventions.
The second webinar, “Transformative Research on Adolescent Health and Rights: Best Practices and Lessons Learned,” showcased IDRC-supported projects from The Gambia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi. These initiatives used participatory and multidisciplinary methods to strengthen adolescent-centered SRHR and mental health services. The discussion highlighted how transformative and action research can drive structural change but also pointed out persistent barriers such as social taboos and limited data. The session concluded with recommendations to connect research with policymaking, prioritize youth-centered approaches, and build cross-sectoral partnerships.
The final session, “Building a Sustainable Future for the Health and Wellbeing of Adolescents in Central and West Africa,” aimed to synthesize insights from the previous webinars and promote solution-oriented dialogue among key stakeholders. Focusing on actionable strategies for future investment and programming, it sought to guide the region toward stronger, more sustainable systems that safeguard adolescent health, rights, and opportunities.
