Meaningful Youth Participation as a way to achieving success

Abstract

Youth participation is a key component in many youth sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programs. We analyze the results of Operational Research on Meaningful Youth Participation in a youth SRHR program in Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, and Pakistan. Meaningful youth participation was found to have positive effects on empowerment and civic engagement of young people; on adult staff and organizations’ capacity to institutionalize meaningful involvement of young people, and provide youth-sensitive SRHR interventions; and achieve program objectives. Conditions enabling meaningful and structural youth participation are needed for positive effects, including mandates and policies on structural and fair youth representation at all decision making levels; opportunities for young people to have decision-making responsibilities, and to share power with adults; building young people’s capacities and understanding; welcoming and safe social environments where both young people and adults feel valued, respected, encouraged and supported.