Addressing the security needs of adolescent girls in protracted crises: Inclusive, responsive, and effective?

Abstract

Adolescent girls face significant and often unique forms of insecurity in protracted crises. Yet, their specific needs tend to be overlooked by international agencies, and they are rarely consulted as programs are developed and implemented. Drawing from field research conducted in four crisis contexts-Lake Chad (Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon), South Sudan and Uganda, Lebanon (Beirut), and Bangladesh (Cox's Bazar)-this article explores the experiences of insecurity that adolescent girls face in crisis contexts, and the extent to which responses to their needs are inclusive, responsive, and effective. Employing literature from inclusive peacebuilding, the article argues that marginalizing adolescent girls in the development and implementation of programs compromises the ability for such programs to be responsive to their needs. Moreover, it misses the opportunity to employ their skills, knowledge, and strengths to build resilience and security within their communities.

Left-Behind Experiences and Cyberbullying Behavior in Chinese College Students: The Mediation of Sense of Security and the Moderation of Gender

“…This may be because the family environment-when separated from their parents-causes females to become more sensitive [45,67]. Female gender characteristics make them exhibit a higher demand for a stable living environment and parental support [68]. The lack of parental presence and care make females more susceptible to unsafe attachments, thereby reducing their sense of security [45,67].…”