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We believe young people are often better able than adults to identify and articulate their needs regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). To celebrate International Youth Day, Rutgers is sharing inspiring stories from youth leaders around the world. These testimonials show that young people are the change-makers of today, playing a crucial role in finding solutions that benefit both their peers and their communities. This is the story of Aphline Yogo.
In the heart of Homabay, a region located on the famous Lake Victoria in Kenya, something special is happening. A group of young people, trained by the Power to You(th) programme, founded a youth parliament. At 25 years old, Aphline is one of them. She is deeply passionate about empowering young people to take charge of their lives in areas that affect their well-being and future.
Her involvement in the Power To Youth programme initiatives is driven by strong belief in the potential of young people to lead change in their communities. The training by the programme provided Aphline with the right skills to successfully lobby for issues that they want to work on as a youth parliament. “Now I talk to young girls at schools and lobby the local government on issues that affect them, such as the possible tax on menstrual products. That tax should absolutely not be imposed, because many girls cannot afford sanitary towels and miss school when they have their period.”
Involving and investing in young people
Aphline explains that the programme’s core idea is simple: when young people are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and support, they become powerful advocates for their own rights and the rights of others. To enhance understanding of SRHR, Aphline directly provides sexuality education to primary school children, teaching them about topics like menstruation and the changes their bodies will undergo as they grow. Simultaneously, she advocates on national and regional issues affecting young people, such as taxes on menstrual products. Together with other young people she created a Youth Parliament, “I am committed in creating spaces where youth voices are strengthened, locally and beyond”, she says.
While decisions are often made by majority, Aphline believes that diverse voices need to be included intentionally. “To make just decisions, we should ensure that policies and responses reflect the needs and concerns of everybody, not just the majority”. While working in her community she trained herself to ask, and especially to listen. People have believes and solutions to issues that may affect them. Engaging these local communities in the design and implementation of the advocacy initiatives to ensure that they are relevant and have local buy-in”.
“To those considering involving young people in decision-making, I would tell them to be intentional mentors, and trust young people throughout the process. With over 1.8 billion young people worldwide, they are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the innovators and change-makers of today. They poses unique skills and perspectives and can drive transformative change within communities”, says Aphline.
“I learned through training that anyone can be a change maker, even someone like me, who really had little self-confidence. Because if I don't do it, who will? If you want to improve something, you have to go for it yourself.”
Change starts with me, change starts with you!
“For young people eager to participate in decision-making, I want them to know that their voices matter. While decision making spheres can feel intimidating, our passion and commitment to positive change gives us the power to make a difference. Stay open minded, read and study to equip yourself with knowledge and stay informed about the issues you care about. And even though the political climate might not very cooperative right now, we have no intention of giving up! Change starts with me, change starts with you!”