This study and brief aim at providing insights on how gender and other intersecting inequalities impact the risk and vulnerability to HIV for women and girls in Africa.

This publication is produced by Musawah with support from UN Women within the framework of the ‘Men and Women for Gender Equality’ regional programme funded by Sweden.

Ending child marriage is fundamental to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and improving maternal and child health worldwide. It is also an important part of safeguarding the stability of communities and the global economy. This background paper provides an overview of the scope, drivers and consequences of child marriage in the Arab region. It also discusses the importance of estimating the cost of child marriage, examines the feasibility of undertaking a costing study in the Arab region, and reviews the availability of data needed to implement such a task, as well as the appropriate framework to consider when approaching costing child marriage in the region.

In 1995, over 17,000 representatives from 189 nations met in Beijing at the Fourth World Conference on Women. The historic meeting resulted in the unanimous adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; an agenda considered to be the “Bill of Rights” for women. 25 years after Beijing, Member States, civil society organizations and women’s rights advocates from across the globe are coming together to review the implementation of this agenda. Our newsletter will focus on the individuals and institutions leading this global process in the Arab States region.

This brochure aims to provide a preliminary summary of the achievements of the Arab countries in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 25 years after its adoption, focusing on the intersections of the twelve areas of concern with the sustainable development agenda.