How to better support children & youth affected by shrinking space
Approaches to navigate risks with young activists – A Policy Brief
As part of the Generation Change! programme implemented in 21 countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, the research sheds light on the civic implications for children and youth, and presents opportunities to open up the conversation about the impacts of the shrinking civic space on the activism of children and youth actors.
Children and youth activists are powerful changemakers, however, their social change initiatives in Africa, Latin America, and Asia are being obstructed by the consequences posed by shrinking civic space in their communities. In order to support children and youth activists, there is a need for enhanced understanding of barriers and risks related to shrinking civic space.
Plan International commissioned a research study, “Civic Space Implications for Children and Young People within the Generation Change! Programme” in order to explore the implications of shrinking civic space on children and young people. The study, which primarily consulted young people ages 15 – 25, seeks to advance the understanding of the role Plan International, and other INGOs, can play to better support and collaborate with children and young people so that they can safely, and effectively, engage as civil society actors. It is foreseen that this brief, informed by the study’s findings and proposed recommendations, can serve as inspiration for others who are also striving for a world where children and young people may better exercise their rights to organise, speak out and take action
Generation Change!
Through funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Plan International Sweden’s Generation Change! programme works in 21 countries and in partnership with more than 140 civil society organisations (CSOs). The programme, launched in 2019, aims at contributing to a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive civil society as well as the fulfilment of children’s and young people’s rights and equality for girls. The programme focuses across 3 impact areas: sexual and reproductive health and rights, child protection and participation and governance with the aim to support children and young people, and their organisations, as agents of change.
About the study
The study, “Civic Space Implications for Children and Young People within the Generation Change! Programme” (2021), was carried out by the Ubuntu Research Team – a youth-led collective – aimed at identifying how shrinking, or limited civic space, affects young activists online and offline, particularly
girls and young women. The study also proposed appropriate measures and strategies designed to minimise risks and negative incidents while continuing to effectively support young people as civil society actors.
For more information on the study and Plan International’s work with the Generation Change! Programme – please contact program@plansverige.org
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Policy Brief
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Categories: Youth empowerment
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