Intergenerational collaboration is key to gender equality – this was the premise of the IGC’s 2024 pilot Youth Champions Programme. The programme, made possible with the support of the United States Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, connected 10 Geneva-based Gender Champions with 10 young gender equality activists from around the world for a six-month long mutual mentoring exchange.
By transitioning away from a conventional mentoring format towards a more collaborative and inclusive exchange, the programme aimed to:
- Foster intergenerational dialogue;
- Amplify the voices of next-generation leaders by providing them with a platform to advance their work and tap into the expertise of international decision-makers;
- Cultivate learning opportunities for established decision-makers, who stand to gain invaluable insights, expertise and skills from young activists.
In its first iteration, the Youth Champions Programme ran from 22 April to 18 October 2024. Each of the 10 mentoring pairs was asked to meet at least once per month, with sessions providing a space for candid discussions, problem-solving, and co-creation. In addition, each pair was invited to join an episode of the IGC’s monthly podcast series and to design one joint output ranging from co-organising events to co-authoring blog articles or publications.
Joint outputs include:
- Policy Brief on “Feminist Theory and Leadership: A Guide for Men”: This document, co-authored by Sadeeq Adewale Abioye and Phil Lynch (ISHR), serves as a practical guide for men to understand and apply feminist principles in leadership roles. It delves into core concepts, strategies, and resources to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment.
- Blog Takeover - Lessons on the Summit of the Future: Paul Mensah Amanor, founder of the Foundation for Educational Equity and Development (FEED), collaborated with Charlotte Stemmer (Plan International) to highlight intersectional barriers to education in Ghana. Drawing on initiatives like FEED’s "Libraries Without Walls," the blog, published on Plan International's platform, offers recommendations for inclusive education aligned with the UN's Summit of the Future vision.
In the end-of-programme evaluation, 86% of Youth Champions reported having successfully expanded their professional network, 71% noted increased confidence as leaders, and 71% improved existing skills. Additionally, 57% drew inspiration for their work, 43% deepened their understanding of feminism and gender equality, and 43% noted a positive impact on their professional trajectory. 100% of Gender Champions reported significant achievements in deepening their learning around feminism and gender equality and exchanging knowledge and experiences. 80% of Gender Champions reported increased self-awareness as leaders thanks to the programme. 60% drew inspiration for their work.
Having received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and the IGC community, the IGC Secretariat will organise future editions of the programme, creating new opportunities for intergenerational exchange and collaboration.
"I am forever grateful for this perfect opportunity to be part of such an impactful initiative as a Youth Champion. Rest assured I will continue advocating for gender equality in every capacity and look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I've gained to champion the cause of gender justice. "
Seth Nimwesiga, Uganda