On June 2, 2024, we proudly launched the “YOULead Programme,” an initiative that embodies the hope, joy, and pride of ECF alumni. YOULead aims to create sustainable change within communities by nurturing young leaders who promote gender equality. This programme targets passionate individuals aged 18 to 21, providing comprehensive training in leadership skills to empower them to address and resolve gender and violence issues in their areas.

The launch event was filled with enthusiasm and energy, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards youth empowerment. Our inspiring Youth Leaders led the event, attended by alumni, teammates, partner organisations, board members, and former team members. The YOULead programme is a visionary leadership initiative, showcasing the power of youth leadership and community collaboration.

Insightful Panel Discussion

A key highlight was the panel discussion featuring Ankita, Kshitij, Alok, Tousif, and Vinayak—remarkable Youth Consultants who shared their insights and experiences on empowering youth in our communities. Kshitij, our passionate moderator, ensured the discussion ran smoothly and engagingly, showcasing his leadership and communication skills.

The panelists delved into the origins of YOULead, explaining the rationale behind its name, which emphasises individual leadership and personal growth. They shared their visionary outlook for the programme’s future, discussing how they envision it evolving to further engage and empower the youth. They stressed the importance of working with young people, noting that the youth are catalysts for innovative solutions and long-term societal change. Our one Youth Consultant, Kshitij stated, “I feel empowering the next generation of leaders is a great initiative to drive innovation and make impactful contributions. Together, we cultivate skills, inspire visions, and build a brighter future.” 

As I listened to the panel, I reflected on my journey with ECF. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to explore gender issues—topics I was not educated on during my school years. Since joining ECF, I’ve attended workshops that helped me reflect on my inner self, build courage, and significantly improve my self-confidence. This exposure greatly enhanced my mental health and helped me rediscover a part of myself that was once lost.

During my school days, I never received education about menstruation or gender discrimination. From a young age, our society influenced our mindset by promoting harmful norms. There was no discussion about household responsibilities and why they were considered solely the domain of women. Our education and societal expectations perpetuated the idea that only women should handle household chores. Myths and misconceptions about menstruation also contributed to the discrimination faced by girls and women, often stigmatising them during their periods. Similarly boys were taught to be emotionally strong and were discouraged from crying or showing vulnerability, which is a harmful expectation. These gender norms limited both boys and girls, reinforcing stereotypes that hinder emotional expression and growth.

By educating adolescents and youth to identify and challenge these gender norms, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society. This process involves recognizing the biases ingrained in our upbringing and actively working to change them. Encouraging open conversations about gender roles, promoting emotional expression, and debunking myths about menstruation are crucial steps towards achieving this goal.

Seeing the youth enrolled in YOULead today fills me with immense gratitude. They now have the chance to develop their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours through exploring gender and human rights. This is an opportunity I wish I had during my adolescence, as it provides them with the tools to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

A Joyful Conclusion

The event concluded with an open floor for the audience, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas and questions. The panelists provided thoughtful responses, further enriching the discussion. The guests, deeply engaged by the discussion, raised introspective questions, which were answered with notable intellect and clarity by our youth. Their responses reflected the depth of their understanding and commitment to driving change in their communities. One of our former teammates, Sandip mentioned, “It has been an incredible journey watching these youth evolve from being completely unaware of gender and human rights when I first started working with them, to now confidently managing the entire programme themselves. It brings me such joy to see how they conduct themselves today. The best part is that they designed this programme and handled the panel questions so critically!”

ECF has played a major role in offering these opportunities, nurturing the next generation of leaders who are not only eager to make a difference but are already doing so. These young leaders, empowered by the courage and strength have transitioned from participants to programme designers and consultants. Their journey with ECF has been a symbol of growth and development, and now they are ready to inspire and lead their communities towards a more inclusive and equitable society. 

 

Leenakshi Shilawat, Senior Programme Executive, Equal Community Foundation