Youth voices are vital when it comes to the development of sustainable programmes. Putting young people at the centre of targeted initiatives not only empowers the next generation but also fosters inclusive and impactful initiatives.

Take, for example, Francoise Uwikunda, a young woman with a physical disability who is also a member of the youth advisory council at Paper Crown Rwanda—a feminist non-profit that works with youth to transform gender norms, foster leadership and create lasting social change.

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Since her induction into the council, Uwikunda has acquired diverse knowledge, particularly about gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual reproductive health, and has disseminated the information among her peers, including those with disabilities, acknowledging that they often miss out on critical information.

She emphasised the value of youth being at the centre of the initiatives targeting them, as opposed to having other people make decisions on their behalf.

"It allows us, the youth, to articulate our needs and confront the challenges we face, rather than having others think for us—especially when many decision-makers are no longer youth,” she said.

"This approach is crucial because it ensures that our voices are heard, and we can relay insights and ideas from our peers. When we bring older people into our discussions, they provide advice and contribute to honing our skills, which we then use when addressing our fellow youth. It serves as an effective platform for us to amplify our voices.”

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Yvan Ngoboka, another member of the council, highlighted the importance of sharing insights during council meetings, where members acquire new skills and subsequently apply them within their respective organisations — a process he said leads to the initiation of activities that benefit more youth.

"When we contribute ideas to these organisations, they are encouraged to think ambitiously. If they confine themselves to the office without engaging us, they may overlook the challenges we encounter in school and society, issues that may be unknown to parents and elders. We bring diverse knowledge and firsthand testimonies about our experiences,” he said.

Ngoboka added that it is easier for young people to teach and relate to their peers compared to individuals who may not share the same generational perspective.

He further noted that the collective voice of the youth in the council is gaining traction, especially with the support of Paper Crown Rwanda unlike before when each operated on their own.

The organization recognises that to persist in reshaping gender norms and eradicating discrimination and violence, it is essential to actively involve and take into account the perspectives of young individuals in the formulation of their programmes. This resulted in the establishment of a youth advisory council comprising a diverse group of young individuals who are willing to bring solutions to the challenges that both themselves and the youth in their communities face.

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Clementine Nyirarukundo, Programmes and Partnerships Manager at Paper Crown Rwanda, highlighted the importance of avoiding decisions made on the youth’s behalf, emphasising the need for feedback from diverse backgrounds to inform the organisation’s actions and ensure they meet the specific needs of different groups.

"We work with youth, but we are not youth. Some are, others are not. So we don’t want to think or work on their behalf,” she said. "Their feedback is crucial to us because that is what informs our plans, our ideas, our programmes, our projects so that we make sure that whatever we are doing, we are serving them.”

Nyirarukundo said the establishment of a youth advisory committee was also a means to break power dynamics, challenge stereotypes, and involve young people in decision-making processes. The committee aims to hold the organisation accountable and contribute to the sustainability of different initiatives.

"Having such a youth advisory committee could inform us into what is happening, what we are missing, but also involving them because, at the end of the day, we see them as the actors of change,” she added.

Nyirarukundo recommended the adoption of youth advisory committees across organisations, including government and the private sector, to ensure accountability, sustainability, and a comprehensive understanding of young people’s needs.