Empowering Youth for Gender Equality
Women Deliver is excited to announce the selection of 30 inspiring young activists who are dedicated to advocating for gender equality in East Africa. This group marks the inaugural cohort of the Emerging Leaders for Change Program, a transformative two-year initiative designed to equip young advocates with the tools and resources necessary to amplify their voices regionally and globally.
Fostering Change Through Support
This program aims to provide participants with essential funding, training, and access to influential decision-makers. By connecting young leaders with these resources, Women Deliver seeks to enhance their advocacy efforts, particularly in promoting bodily autonomy and rights for adolescent girls.
A Collective Force for Policy Change
The participants, aged 15 to 29, hail from various regions including Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. They are committed to leveraging their shared experiences to become powerful advocates for policy change. Clara Benjamin, one of the cohort members from Tanzania, emphasizes the strength found in unity: "By uniting, young people can form a powerful collective voice and influence policy change, promoting global solidarity."
Highlighting the Role of Youth
As East Africa is home to over 116.8 million individuals under the age of 35, this region presents enormous potential for youth engagement. However, recent waves of anti-rights sentiments, especially regarding the rights of women and gender-diverse individuals, make such advocacy efforts increasingly critical. Furthermore, the repercussions of the climate crisis, particularly harsh droughts, exacerbate these challenges and disproportionately impact young populations.
Creating a Sustainable Future
The top priority of the Emerging Leaders Program is to foster collaboration among young activists, enabling them to pursue their goals for a more equitable and sustainable future within their communities. Miriam Mwau, a 15-year-old member from Kenya, notes, "It is important to unite because we will be able to change the stories for other children and future generations."
Engagement and Advocacy
Women Deliver is committed to advancing the aspirations of these young leaders. By uniting under a shared vision of equality and sustainability, they are poised to create a lasting impact in their respective societies. Eden Alem, a cohort member from Ethiopia, states, "Now is the time for youth to channel their passion and commitment into advocating for a better world where their needs and aspirations are recognized and addressed."
Supporting Young Activists
The program plays a significant role in building partnerships and solidarity with young people in East Africa, encouraging them to lead advocacy efforts that can lead to meaningful change. Activists believe that with the right support, they can make a difference and counteract the challenges posed by various socio-political forces.
Opportunities for the Future
Women Deliver remains dedicated to empowering these young voices as they lead discussions and push for policies that ultimately impact girls' and women's health and rights. The future of advocacy for gender equality looks promising with such enthusiastic young leaders stepping up to the challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Emerging Leaders for Change Program?
The program is a two-year initiative by Women Deliver aimed at supporting young activists in advocating for gender equality and bodily autonomy.
Who are the participants in this program?
The first cohort includes 30 activists aged 15 to 29 from Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
What resources will participants receive?
Participants will get funding, training, and access to decision-makers to enhance their advocacy efforts.
Why is youth engagement important in East Africa?
Youth engagement is critical due to the region's vast young population and the pressing issues they face, including anti-rights sentiments and the climate crisis.
What is Women Deliver’s mission?
Women Deliver aims to advocate for every girl and woman to exercise her rights to full bodily autonomy and health.
