UNICEF USA

According to new data from UNICEF, more than 370 million girls and women alive today – or 1 in 8 – experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18. Although more girls and women are affected, and their experiences are better documented, boys and men are also impacted. An estimated 240 to 310 million boys and men – or around 1 in 11 – have experienced rape or sexual assault during childhood. Here's what you need to know, and how UNICEF is taking action to protect every child.

"I don’t feel ashamed of what I do,” says Samer, “because fulfilling people’s needs is more important than anything else." Through a UNICEF-supported workshop, 16-year-old Samer of #Sudan has mastered the skill of making reusable menstrual products for women and girls displaced by ongoing violence. This is his story.

"This gets hostages home, this lets children go to bed knowing they won't be bombed and it lets us get aid to people in utter desperation right now," says UNICEF's James Elder of the humanitarian crisis in #Gaza. More from ABC News:

Myth: Child poverty only affects low-income countries. Fact: No country is immune to child poverty. Here's what you need to know about the fight to #EndPoverty, and how UNICEF is taking action: uni.cf/3uOeFm8

"As a young parent, I remember taking my children with me to vote. In all fairness, at that age, I think they were mainly impressed by the free “I Voted” stickers," says Tracy Najera, MPA, Ph.D., our Vice President of the Community Alliance for Child Rights. "Bottom line," says Nájera, "Adults play a significant role in teaching the children in their lives what it means and looks like to contribute to their communities." Ahead of November's election, Nájera discusses the role fellow parents and caregivers can play in shaping the civic lives of children.

Thank you to?Financial Times?for hosting a powerful discussion at today’s?#MoralMoneySummit?on the future of impact investing and philanthropy, and how we can enhance investment models to drive large-scale positive change. It was a pleasure to join?Kirstin Hill?of?Social Finance,?Erika Karp?of?The Aspen Institute,?Georgia Levenson Keohane?of?Soros Economic Development Fund,?Sarah Murray?of?Financial Times?and?Ammanuel Zegeye?of?McKinsey & Company. Today’s discussion underscored the powerful message that innovative investment models are key to realizing a future where financial returns and positive impact go hand in hand. As impact investing and philanthropy evolve, so does the potential to bridge critical funding gaps in traditionally underserved areas. UNICEF’s Innovative Finance for Children strategy and the Child Lens Investing Framework recognize the critical role that both philanthropy and financing play in ensuring children everywhere are healthy, educated, protected and respected. By adopting more transparent, results-oriented models like these, we can encourage diverse investors to collaborate on solutions for today's most pressing issues.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like sickle-cell, type 1 diabetes, cancer and asthma are rising threats to families and communities worldwide – but with the right investments, we can enable early detection and treatment for children and families impacted by NCDs and strengthen local health systems. This #NCDAwareness week, we’re spotlighting UNICEF’s lifesaving work in Nepal with thanks to donations from Eli Lilly and Company to the U.S. fund for UNICEF. This is one family's story of overcoming the stigma of living with an NCD, accessing proper healthcare and leading a healthier life.

Today, I had the pleasure of joining an inspiring conversation with Paula DiPerna of CDP, Maha Jweied of Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, Gideon Maltz of Tent Partnership for Refugees, and Sarah Murray of Financial Times. Together, we discussed why businesses must play a central role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs). These 17 global goals, part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015, aim to create a more peaceful, equitable and prosperous world. With only about five years left to reach these goals by 2030, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment: Despite progress, we're not on track to achieve our goals. But here’s the thing—there is still time to turn this around. By more meaningfully engaging the private sector to close the gap on the SDGs, we can drive sustainable growth in underserved regions and empower communities with the resources they need to thrive. In areas where government capacity is stretched thin, businesses have the unique power to bridge economic and social divides. Thank you to my fellow panelists and to Financial Times for facilitating this critical discussion during the #MoralMoneySummit.

Poverty is not a personal failure; it’s the result of structural and systemic challenges. This Thursday, join the Global Coalition to #EndChildPoverty for an important discussion on how social protection programs can uphold dignity, reduce stigma and help all children and families thrive. Register here ?? ow.ly/7wgg50TC57t

Every voice matters – including yours. It's time to make your voting plan for November's Presidential Election. Find voting resources at vote.gov.