In an effort to address one of the most heartbreaking and pressing realities on the global stage, the Congress of Girl Soldiers, to be held in November 2024, will bring together experts, activists, and leaders from around the world to discuss strategies and solutions for the recruitment and use of girls in armed conflicts.

One of the highlights of the congress will be the keynote address by María Dolores Algora Weber, a renowned researcher at the Center for International Security at Francisco de Vitoria University and a collaborator at the Spanish Institute of Strategic Studies. Algora Weber, who also teaches at several Spanish universities, has devoted much of her academic career to studying security and defense in the Mediterranean, the Maghreb, and the Middle East, with special attention to human security and conflicts in Africa-Sahel.

In her intervention, Algora Weber will highlight the need to comprehensively address the root causes of girl soldier recruitment, as well as to implement effective strategies to prevent their recruitment and reintegrate them into society. She will argue that human security, especially in conflict contexts, is crucial for ensuring stability and sustainable development in affected regions.

"Girl soldiers are victims of a flagrant violation of their human rights and face enormous physical, psychological, and social challenges," Algora Weber will emphasize. "To effectively address this problem, it is crucial to adopt a multidimensional approach that not only focuses on protecting affected girls but also addresses the underlying causes of recruitment, such as poverty, marginalization, and lack of access to education."

The congress will also serve as a platform for the exchange of best practices and experiences among countries and organizations working on the prevention of girl soldier recruitment and the reintegration of survivors. Successful initiatives that have proven effective in protecting girls' rights and empowering them to build a future free from violence and conflict will be highlighted.

However, despite the progress made, the road to eradicating girl soldier recruitment will remain long and complex. A renewed commitment from the international community will be required, as well as adequate resources and coordination among governments, international organizations, and civil society to tackle this challenge with determination and solidarity.

Ultimately, the Congress of Girl Soldiers November 2024 will be a powerful reminder of the urgency to act to protect girls affected by armed conflicts and ensure that they can fully enjoy their human rights and future opportunities. It will be time to turn words into action and work together to build a world where all girls can live free from fear and violence.