MIYP Stories of Change

For Quinter, being a young woman with a disability meant struggling to have her voice heard, especially when it came to SRHR. Talking about these issues felt impossible but joining the Power to Youth Kenya program through the Husika Dada Initiative changed that. As a youth-led advocacy platform, Husika Dada provides a safe space for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) to discuss socio-economic challenges, amplify their voices, and participate in decision-making. Through them, Quinter gained the knowledge and confidence to speak up for herself and others, and through Power to You(th), she developed SRHR knowledge and practical skills in beadwork that aided her journey to financial independence. “Before joining Husika Dada (as a volunteer), it was very hard for me to even understand myself and express myself well,” she shared. “But now, I know my rights as a woman with disability on matters of sexual health and empowerment.”

During her time in the Power to You(th) program, Quinter has observed that sensitization and awareness have brought about a shift in societal attitudes toward people with disabilities, particularly in healthcare settings. While pregnant women with disabilities have always faced judgment and discrimination, she now observes a new sense of respect and acceptance.

“Before joining Husika Dada (as a volunteer), it was very hard for me to even understand myself and express myself well,” she shared. “But now, I know my rights as a woman with disability on matters of sexual health and empowerment.”

Quinter has noticed meaningful changes, such as greater awareness of rights and legal protections among women and girls with disabilities, and a perceived reduction in cases of rape, forced marriages, and defilement. “People now know that if they mistreat us, there are consequences.”

Quinter’s involvement in the program went beyond awareness sessions; she actively participated in policy discussions and budget-making processes. She also joined benchmarking activities with neighboring counties, engaging in knowledge-sharing, linking, and learning sessions to exchange best practices and advocate for disability inclusion.

“Before, spaces for people with disabilities in decision-making didn’t exist. Now, we meet duty bearers face-to-face and say, ‘Nothing about us without us.’ Our voices are being heard.”

As an advocate, she has been sensitizing stakeholders on gender equality and inclusion, leading to important policy changes, including the establishment of safe spaces and gender policies at the county level. However, challenges remain. People with disabilities still face systemic barriers, including inaccessible meeting spaces and a lack of resources such as sign language interpreters which prevent crucial information from reaching all people with disabilities.

“Before, spaces for people with disabilities in decision-making didn’t exist. Now, we meet duty bearers face-to-face and say, ‘Nothing about us without us.’ Our voices are being heard.”

Beyond advocacy, Quinter has embraced mentorship as a means of ensuring lasting impact. She participates in a paid mentorship program, where she shares her knowledge with others and fosters new leaders in SRHR advocacy, who can then mentor a new generation of leaders.

Her economic empowerment efforts have also flourished. Through beadwork and basketry, she sustains herself and also supports a group of fellow persons with disabilities. Together, they engage in table banking, a micro-lending system where members contribute funds and offer small loans to each other, fostering financial independence.

“Life doesn’t end with challenges. There’s always something for you. Believe in yourself, stay connected with others, and keep learning. Every day is a learning day! By sharing our experiences, we learn from each other and become stronger.”

Reflecting on her journey, Quinter acknowledges the significant influence Husika Dada, along with Power to You(th), has had on her personal and professional growth. “For me to speak in board meetings without fear and be part of policymaking tables, it shows how much I’ve grown,” she said. Her experiences even led her to participate in the Young African Leaders Initiative, a leadership program that further improved her advocacy skills. Looking ahead, Quinter stresses the importance of continued support and expansion of inclusive programs. “If more partners join, we can have an even greater impact on young girls, women, and persons with disabilities,” she said.

For young people passionate about SRHR, she offers: “Life doesn’t end with challenges. There’s always something for you. Believe in yourself, stay connected with others, and keep learning. Every day is a learning day! By sharing our experiences, we learn from each other and become stronger.”

Quinter’s story shows what happens when we understand that inclusion is more than just a buzzword, and what young people, in all their diversity, can achieve when they are given the space to lead. Her dedication and advocacy are opening doors and ensuring that other young people, including those with disabilities, can step through them and engage meaningfully once inside.

Godfrey, a 25-year-old youth leader from Malawi, has always been passionate about MIYP. This passion took him to the youth-led organization Youth Wave Malawi, where he works as a Youth Inclusion & Engagement Officer. In this role, Godfrey led the development and implementation of a seed grant project funded by CHOICE through the Power to You(th) program. This initiative was designed to bridge the gap between young people and older leaders in decision-making spaces. At just 22 years old, Godfrey proposed the idea of fostering intergenerational dialogues throughout the project; an idea that was not only novel but also transformative for his community. “Being able to see that idea come to life was my proudest moment” he reflected.

In Malawi, leadership roles are traditionally reserved for older individuals, leaving young people excluded from decision-making processes. Cultural norms and systemic challenges such as tokenism and limited opportunities for capacity-building reinforced these barriers. When Godfrey and his team began the project, they encountered resistance from older leaders, many of whom doubted the capability of youth to lead. Despite these challenges, Godfrey remained determined to create change.

The project started with targeted training sessions for both young people and older community leaders. These sessions equipped participants with essential leadership, MIYP and advocacy skills. The training culminated in intergenerational dialogues where young and older leaders came together to discuss how they could collaborate to promote youth leadership within their communities. Godfrey ensured inclusivity by ensuring young persons with disabilities- a group often sidelined in such initiatives- were invited and accommodated. These dialogues became a turning point, fostering mutual respect and understanding between generations. For many older leaders, it was the first time they truly recognized the potential of young people.

“I learned facilitation skills and how to bring different demographics together for a common goal”

The impact of the project was immediate and significant. During the dialogues, older leaders committed to reserving quotas for young people in community leadership roles. This led to the election of a young man and woman to their district’s Development Committee, marking an important milestone for MIYP. The ripple effects of the project have extended beyond its immediate goals and timeframe. Many of the young leaders trained during the initiative have continued to advocate independently for issues such as youth-friendly health services and digital access. They have collaborated with local politicians and councillors, demonstrating their own capacity and commitment to address pressing community needs. The inclusion of young persons with disabilities also set a new standard for inclusivity in community projects.

For Godfrey, the experience was transformative. Coordinating the project deepened his understanding of how to form, strengthen and sustain youth-adult partnerships and refined his leadership skills. “I learned facilitation skills and how to bring different demographics together for a common goal,” he shared. This journey also reinforced his commitment to advancing MIYP, a cause he now advocates for with strengthened determination and expertise.

Godfrey’s story highlights the impact of collaboration and persistence in addressing deeply rooted cultural norms. By bridging generational divides, the CHOICE seed grant offered a hopeful step toward more inclusive and ingrained youth leadership in Malawi. Godfrey’s efforts show that when we finance, trust and support young people, they can lead with purpose, creating meaningful change in their communities.

Originating from a city deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, Faizatu Sualisu always appreciated the cultural norms that shaped her community in Tamale. However, she grew increasingly aware that the same traditions—especially those expecting youth to be obedient and silent—were excluding young people from decisions that directly affected their lives. With elders dominating decision-making spaces, Faizatu saw how young voices were overlooked and the intergenerational gap was widening.

Faizatu’s personal experiences witnessing the consequences of youth exclusion inspired her to act. Her journey began with involvement in the Power to You(th) program. Her active work with the Girls Advisory Council (GAC) was recognized by NORSAAC, leading to her appointment as the young focal lead on the Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) in the program. Now serving as GAC’s Regional Coordinator, Faizatu transforms her passion into action, empowering girls in Tamale and advocating for their rights.

Through Power to You(th), Faizatu received training in advocacy, fundraising, proposal writing, and MIYP—the latter facilitated by CHOICE. The training emphasized youth empowerment and equipped participants to pitch MIYP effectively across diverse contexts. Yet, Faizatu understood that traditional beliefs and entrenched power dynamics still limited progress. While national laws addressed issues like unintended pregnancies, they were poorly communicated and often ignored at the community level. Young people knew what they needed—but without a stronger bridge to elders, their voices would remain unheard. Faizatu realized that lasting change would only come through collaboration and mutual respect between youth and elders.

In 2024, after successfully applying for a CHOICE seed grant, the GAC put their training into action. Their project focused on building youth-adult partnerships and bridging the generational divide through intergenerational dialogues and engagement. The goal was to strengthen youth participation in local governance and empower young women to confidently take on leadership roles.

Unlike previous formal engagements, the project introduced creative approaches to open dialogue. The GAC hosted an inception meeting where youth were introduced to traditional council members during a strategic session. This laid the foundation for mutual understanding and identified ways for young people to engage in governance.

To deepen the relationships, the GAC organized interactive events, including Sip & Paint sessions and art exhibitions, where youth and elders could share experiences informally. These fun activities sparked meaningful conversations about perceptions, expectations, and opportunities for collaboration between the generations.

“I am particularly happy about this initiative as it challenges the young people and gives them a sense of responsibility. On behalf of the chief, we are very appreciative of the initiative,”

Faizatu and the GAC also used drama and theatre to powerful effect. Their team performed two contrasting scenarios for traditional leaders: one showing a community where youth were excluded from decisions, and the other showing young people as active participants. The performance resonated deeply, prompting discussion among leaders about the importance of MIYP.

Through storytelling, the GAC further raised awareness about the negative impact of youth exclusion while highlighting the benefits of youth involvement. These performances inspired community leaders to commit to more inclusive practices, including conducting community engagements using CHOICE’s Flower of Participation tool.

Following these engagements, community elders began to recognize the need to mentor youth in traditional and leadership roles. They committed to reserving two seats for elected youth representatives in weekly meetings with chiefs and sub-chiefs where decisions on community development are made.

“I am particularly happy about this initiative as it challenges the young people and gives them a sense of responsibility. On behalf of the chief, we are very appreciative of the initiative,” said Mba Yakubu, elder and chief adviser from Dohini.

In recognition of the GAC’s impact, the community awarded them a chieftaincy title—a powerful symbol of respect and cultural integration. Additionally, although the GAC was not a registered organization at the start of the project, the CHOICE seed grant enabled them to apply for official registration, boosting their legal status and credibility within the civic space.

Through Faizatu’s efforts, creative engagement sessions and the GAC’s commitment, there has been a clear increase in the empowerment and participation of young people in governance. In just six months, they’ve showcased the strength and potential of youth advocacy in Ghana. By embracing their creativity, they’ve used art, theatre, and informal conversations to foster trust, evoke emotion, and build bridges between generations and create tangible, lasting impact.

Young people now feel more confident to speak up, and elders are more open to listening and engaging. So, think outside the box, get artsy, and build those bridges!

In 2023, a group of passionate young advocates in Indonesia identified a major gap in efforts to end child marriage. While many youth-led organizations (YLOs) were tackling related issues, they were operating in isolation. To address this, 2030 Youth Force Indonesia, with leaders like Tirza, united these groups to form the National Coalition for Young People to Prevent Child Marriage. The idea was simple but powerful: collaboration could amplify impact and push for systemic change.

As a founding member, Tirza was instrumental in organizing meetings, setting up a secretariat, and ensuring shared decision-making. Together with fellow advocates, she helped choose a name, design a logo, and draft a work plan. What began as a vision quickly became a structured movement that challenged traditional advocacy models and demanded MIYP in policymaking.

From the start, the coalition faced two significant hurdles: funding and commitment. Many youth organizations had limited resources, making sustained engagement difficult. Balancing coalition duties with their own work also posed a challenge.

Externally, navigating government partnerships came with its own roadblocks. Some ministries welcomed youth input, but others only offered symbolic participation. Building credibility and influence within policymaking circles required persistence, creativity, and strategic thinking.

Rather than relying solely on formal lobbying, the coalition adopted creative advocacy to raise awareness about child marriage. During Jakarta’s Car-Free Day, they set up an interactive space where the public could play with board games, sign petitions, and engage open conversations around child marriage and SRHR.

“Creativity is what brings us to different parts of society, from young people to parents and even policymakers. We need to use creative approaches to engage stakeholders and make sure our voices are heard.”

A standout initiative was a Pokémonⓒ-inspired card game, which used playful learning to educate the public on child marriage prevention. While the game engaged youth and parents, the coalition also used imaginative methods to reach decision-makers. They created a karaoke carpool video about the Sustainable Development Goals and organized a flash mob, making their advocacy fun, memorable, and visible.

“Creativity is what brings us to different parts of society, from young people to parents and even policymakers. We need to use creative approaches to engage stakeholders and make sure our voices are heard.” These efforts helped the coalition build relationships with policymakers and increase their credibility. Parallel to these creative campaigns, they maintained pressure on the Ministry of Women and Children’s Protection, pushing for stronger legislation. Initially met with hesitation, sustained engagement led to official recognition, and the coalition was eventually invited to monitor implementation of the national child marriage prevention strategy—a key milestone in institutionalizing youth participation.

Despite major strides, policy change remains slow. While youth advocates contributed to proposals, comprehensive reforms are still pending. However, their relentless advocacy has revived national dialogue on stronger legislation. Political changes in 2024, including a new president and ministry reshuffles, disrupted previous gains. The coalition lost some established connections and had to rebuild from scratch. Yet, the youth advocates had prepared themselves for such an event, by securing commitments from key officials to connect them with incoming policy makers prior to the transition, protecting the continuity of their advocacy efforts.

Through this journey, Tirza has developed strong skills in policy analysis, lobbying, and leadership. By working directly with government actors, she has become more strategic in crafting recommendations and advocating for MIYP. Her leadership has also grown through coordinating coalition activities, enhancing her project management and problem-solving abilities. She’s helped secure the coalition’s long-term sustainability by nurturing partnerships and promoting resource-sharing among youth groups. With the Power to You(th) program ending in 2025, Tirza and her peers are already thinking about creative ways to sustain their work beyond it. Having experienced the impact of youth collaboration firsthand, Tirza is committed to advancing systemic change. Her time with the coalition has deepened her belief that young people must shape the policies that affect their lives.

“Collaboration is always the key,” Tirza stressed. “Many youth organizations tend to work independently, but sustainable change requires collective action. If we want policies that truly support us, we must work together with governments, other youth organizations, and women’s rights groups.”

The National Coalition continues to grow, proving that youth-led coalitions are crucial in tackling child marriage and other pressing issues. Their work shows that young people’s voices and leadership deserve to stand alongside adults in shaping a better, more inclusive future. Through collaboration, creativity, and persistence, advocates like Tirza are laying the groundwork for meaningful, lasting change.

Born out of a pressing need for youth representation in Senegalese decision-making spaces, the CI LAA BOKK platform was launched in 2005 by young elected representatives, parliamentarians, and civil society leaders. With 75% of Senegal’s population under 35, yet only 2% of decision-makers being young, it was clear something had to change. Even in matters directly impacting youth—health, education, employment—their voices were largely absent. CI LAA BOKK aptly means “I’m part of it,”, which reflects the platforms’ mission: to promote MIYP in leadership and governance.

Since joining the Power to You(th) programme, the platform has strengthened its capacity, particularly in MIYP, advocacy, and leadership. What started as a grassroots initiative has grown to influence regional and national levels, collaborating with key ministries, including the Ministry of Health. CI LAA BOKK is now a pioneering force in youth participation, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to speak up and be heard.

Why is this crucial? Despite being the majority, young Senegalese face major barriers in accessing employment, education, healthcare, and social services. Policies that ignore their needs are ineffective. MIYP ensures that youth are central to the decisions that affect their futures, particularly in areas like sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality.

CI LAA BOKK unites young parliamentarians, councillors, civil society actors, and activists, building a dynamic network for experience-sharing and dialogue. “We want to make sure that the authorities listen to what young people are saying, and that they are better represented at different levels,” shares youth changemaker Papa Makha Nguer Seck from the Thiès region.

Through their work, young parliamentarians have been empowered to raise critical issues and push for rights-based policy reforms. The platform has advocated for legislation establishing a minimum youth representation in government bodies and called for lowering the age limits for parliamentarians (currently 25) and the presidency (35). They also support youth leaders already inside government to amplify youth voices in influential spaces.

“We want to make sure that the authorities listen to what young people are saying, and that they are better represented at different levels”

And this is having a real impact. More young people are being invited into high-level discussions—including budget planning—and are influencing decisions alongside key stakeholders. A proposed law mandating 30% youth representation in the National Assembly is currently under review, a major milestone championed by CI LAA BOKK and Power to You(th). If passed, it would mark a groundbreaking shift in youth political representation in Senegal.

But their work doesn’t stop at policy. CI LAA BOKK also strengthens youth skills in MIYP, leadership, and advocacy, while educating them about local governance, laws, and decision-making structures. This person-centred approach not only builds confidence but prepares them to represent diverse youth perspectives effectively.

A turning point came in 2022, when an unprecedented number of young people were elected into government positions. A networking luncheon for these new leaders—including mayors, entrepreneurs, and CSO representatives—became a powerful moment of unity. Despite differing political, cultural, and religious backgrounds, the young people present rallied around the shared cause of MIYP, determined to challenge manipulative tactics and push for genuine inclusion in governance. A united youth voice is a strong one.

Since then, youth representation across sectors—political, educational, private, and civil society—has continued to grow. In May 2024, four young leaders were appointed to key governmental roles by the Senegalese President. Among them is Sokhna Ba, a CI LAA BOKK member and current MP, who leads the Commission on Urbanisation and Transportation. As the only female commission head, she is breaking barriers for both youth and women in governance. Another success story is Ibrahima Thiam, a former platform member and now Secretary of State for Enterprise and Small Business. Identified and mentored through CI LAA BOKK and Power to You(th), Ibrahima developed into a committed and capable advocate for MIYP.

Looking ahead, CI LAA BOKK plans to expand its reach to 14 additional districts, further scaling its efforts to build sustainable youth engagement nationwide. Its success proves that when young people are given tools, confidence, and space, they don’t just participate—they lead. Embracing youth leadership is key to building a more inclusive, responsive, and resilient Senegal.

When Weston first joined the Power to You(th) Global Supervisory Board (GSB) as Youth Representative, his goal was clear: to ensure that young people’s voices weren’t just heard but actively shaped decisions. As someone deeply involved in youth work, Weston had witnessed too many programs where youth participation felt superficial. This wasn’t enough for him.

“I’ve seen tokenism, even symbolic involvement of young people, and the way society defines young people often affects their involvement,” he explained. “I wanted to contribute something meaningful to Power to Youth and add value through my skills.”

In his home country of Malawi, the challenges young people face are immense. Early child marriage, for example, affects 42% of girls before the age of 18, cutting short their education and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Weston knew that addressing issues like these required programs that not only supported young people but actively involved them in shaping solutions. That’s what drew him to PtY.

“I’ve seen tokenism, even symbolic involvement of young people, and the way society defines young people often affects their involvement”

The idea of having Youth Representatives sit in PtY programmatic decision-making spaces was initiated in 2022 by CHOICE with the goal of upholding and mainstreaming the programme’s commitment to MIYP, and having the youth voice represented in important programmatic discussions. Since then, CHOICE has mentored the 4 Youth Representatives to feel confident, capable and empowered to engage and speak up in the Power to You(th) decision-making spaces. Weston was on boarded into the role in 2023, and from the start, he took his role in the GSB seriously. He worked to ensure that the program’s decision-making aligned with the needs and priorities of young people across PtY countries. This wasn’t just about policy discussions—it was about creating tangible pathways for youth-led accountability and advocacy. He reflected, “The program focuses on MIYP. It gives young people the chance to align program goals with their real needs and concerns.”

The mentorship Weston received from CHOICE through Power to You(th) was a turning point for him. As well as learning new skills, Weston built the confidence to use them effectively. Public speaking, advocacy, and program design became essential tools as he engaged with national-level policymakers and contributed to shaping Malawi’s National Youth Policy. He described it as transformative: “When I started with Power to You(th), I wasn’t confident in public speaking or advocacy, but through the program and its capacity-building, I’ve shaped my skills and even learned how to influence decisions.”

“When I started with Power to You(th), I wasn’t confident in public speaking or advocacy, but through the program and its capacity-building, I’ve shaped my skills and even learned how to influence decisions.”

But the impact of Weston’s involvement extended beyond himself. His organization grew stronger and more stable through the Power to You(th) programme, securing funding and building partnerships with international organizations. “We’ve built capacity and gained opportunities to partner with others, it’s helped us grow to where we are today.”

What stood out most to Weston was how PtY approached youth participation. The program didn’t just include young people in decision-making; it treated them as partners and experts. Weston valued the mentorship approach and the structure of the GSB, which fostered youth-adult partnerships. “I’ve learned from them, and they’ve also learned from me. Through that, we have built a partnership that really works in addressing issues affecting young people.“.

For Weston, this journey has been both personal and professional. He sees youth participation not as a buzzword but as a way to create lasting, meaningful change and partnerships. But we can’t do this without collaboration with adults who can share their knowledge and experience.

As he looks ahead, Weston is optimistic about what’s possible when young people are given the tools, platforms, and trust to lead. His advice to young advocates reflects his experience: “Be willing to learn, do your research, and make sure your advocacy represents the broader youth population.”

Created to bring together passionate young people from both the RHRN2 and Power to You(th) programs, the Youth Engage Community of Practice (CoP) has become a dynamic, inclusive, and safe space to drive MIYP. Formed by CHOICE in collaboration with Y-ACT, this cross-programmatic community amplifies youth leadership through quarterly online sessions focused on key MIYP topics. By sharing challenges, lessons, and innovative tools, the CoP fosters collaboration and builds a united movement for change. This collective strength proves that the true power of youth leadership lies in embracing the experiences and diversity of our young members. One such member is Mumina Mohamednur. Since the age of 9, Mumina dreamed of empowering young, diverse, and vulnerable communities. As the RHRN2 Kenyan Youth Country Coordinator, she now brings that dream to life. Coming from a community where female genital mutilation is common, Mumina is particularly driven to address SRHR challenges faced by women and marginalised groups. Her role has allowed her to implement creative ideas to improve SRHR for youth.

Seeking connection and knowledge sharing, Mumina joined the Youth Engage CoP. Rather than working in isolation, the CoP encourages mutual learning and brings youth together to explore best practices, challenges, and innovations in MIYP. Each session deep-dives into a new theme—ranging from Youth-Adult Partnerships to sustaining youth movements.

“I feel like we are growing towards a better direction in terms of facilitating South to South learning”

Mumina co-facilitated a session on the latter with CoP member Rafiatu from Ghana’s Power to You(th) program. Mumina, who is passionate about shifting away from traditional “aid” models, helped lead a discussion challenging outdated structures and identifying pathways to more self-reliant youth movements.

So how can we sustain youth movements? One strategy is a member-led structure. The CoP includes Chairs (CHOICE and Y-ACT) and a Core Group of 8 volunteer members who co-create sessions. As a Core Group member, Mumina values the ownership this structure fosters. “This is by young people, for young people. So I’m definitely more motivated to work on it and contribute to it.” This participatory model boosts motivation and ensures long-term engagement.

The CoP also promotes South-to-South learning, offering a youth-friendly, cross-programmatic space for participants from diverse Global South contexts. “I feel like we are growing towards a better direction in terms of facilitating South to South learning,” Mumina shares. Despite differing contexts, youth realize they face similar struggles. “We fear the same thing when it comes to sustainability for young people in the Global South.” For Mumina, that fear drives her to create safer, more inclusive spaces for future youth leaders.

“The way the CoP is set up, it is actually very difficult for you not to get anything new or not to learn anything. It’s not only in-country learning, it’s learning from young people from different countries and different programs.”

The CoP supports skills development, from facilitation to understanding diverse perspectives. “The way the CoP is set up, it is actually very difficult for you not to get anything new or not to learn anything. It’s not only in-country learning, it’s learning from young people from different countries and different programs.” Mumina has deepened her MIYP expertise, adopted new facilitation techniques, and applied these lessons elsewhere. “I was able to pick those learnings, things that I have just been observing as a CoP member and take them to the ground, to young people who go to the community and teach them how to be a safe space facilitator.”

To sustain and share the CoPs’ learnings, a Youth Engage newsletter was launched, which disseminates resources, success stories, and youth-friendly visual notes capturing CoP session outcomes. Mumina considers these valuable knowledge products, as she would receive requests for information and resources from other young advocates, and she was able to disseminate these notes in response. By harvesting outcomes, capturing them in these notes and circulating them with partners, the CoP contributes to the sustainability of the programs work and gains.

For Mumina, the CoP has been a space to grow her passion for human rights advocacy. It has empowered her to build meaningful connections and lead on the issues youth care about. “This is what we feel matters to us. This is what we feel is important to us.” Looking ahead, she calls on programs to strengthen grant-writing skills of young people as a key strategy for sustaining the movements of youth.. She also encourages peers to seize growth opportunities: “Scale up, increase your value and make good use of the opportunities you have been given.”