The Malawi SRHR Alliance’s Programme Advocacy Coordinator (PAC) participated at the Men Engage Africa SRHR Learning and Exchange Symposium that was held from 23 to 25 October 2023.
The symposium was organized by Sonke Gender Justice in South Africa. During the event, the PAC represented Malawi Power to Youth in a panel discussion, where she shared noteworthy achievements and best practices. Within the discussion, she emphasized the programme’s utilization of a Youth-Led Advocacy Model and its profound impact on young individuals who are now actively involved in advocating for issues that affect them directly.
The model has not only enabled young people to assert themselves in decision-making platforms but has also spurred engagement with the Ministry of Gender. This engagement has resulted in a review of the standard guidelines for the Community Victim Support Unit, now including representation from young individuals on the committee.
The Youth-Led Advocacy Model has proven to be a versatile approach that can be implemented in various programs to engage and empower young people, encouraging them to demand meaningful change within society.