Strengthening Partnerships to Empower Youth for Gender Equality and Social Justice in Kenya

In a spirited and engaging session, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF_Kenya), successfully hosted a Youth Stakeholders Review Meeting under the theme “Strengthening Partnerships to Empower Youth for Gender Equality and Social Justice in Kenya.”

This dynamic forum provided an essential platform for young leaders, youth organizations, and stakeholders to collaborate, reflect on past accomplishments, and chart a unified path forward for gender equality and social justice.

Held in Nairobi, the interactive meeting convened a diverse group of youth advocates, policymakers, and development partners, all committed to fostering an environment where young people, especially women and marginalized youth, can fully participate in shaping Kenya’s social and economic future.

The event aimed to amplify the voices of young people, encouraging them to not only assess the successes of previous initiatives but also critically examine the challenges that continue to hinder progress in the areas of gender equality and social justice.

Assessing Achievements and Challenges

Opening the session, Dr. Anyango, the AD Research, Monitoring and Documentation NGEC, highlighted the importance of a reflective approach to understanding how far the youth-led initiatives have come in advancing gender equality and social justice.

“Over the past few years, we have seen encouraging strides made by young people in challenging stereotypes, advocating for policy change, and participating in civic activities. However, the journey is far from complete,” she remarked.

One of the key achievements discussed was the increasing involvement of youth in leadership and decision- making processes, particularly in government and civil society spaces.

However, participants were quick to point out the persisting barriers such as limited access to resources, entrenched gender biases, and insufficient policy frameworks that fail to recognize the full potential of youth as catalysts for change.

Youth leaders underscored the critical need for capacity-building programs that equip them with the skills, knowledge, and resources to overcome these challenges and actively contribute to the country’s socio-political and economic landscapes.

Exploring Future Opportunities

As the meeting transitioned into an open dialogue session, participants voiced their aspirations for a more inclusive, gender-equitable future. Discussions centered on the importance of strengthening partnerships between youth organizations, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders.

The consensus was clear: young people must be at the forefront of designing and implementing policies that directly impact their lives, particularly in areas like education, employment, and healthcare.

Hanns Seidel Foundation Kenya Resident Representative, Daniel Seiberling, speaks at the Youth Stakeholders Review Meeting