By MONICA NASHON: Youth for a Sustainable World (YSW) has launched a new five-year strategic plan aimed at putting young people at the center of efforts to promote gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and economic empowerment.

Unveiled in Migori County, the plan comes at a critical time for many local youth.

For young people transitioning from school to adulthood, the search for employment and opportunity is frequently hindered by severe challenges, including high rates of teenage pregnancy, new HIV infections, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

As the world marks International Youth Day, these realities highlight an urgent need to give young people more than just advice, they need information, skills, opportunities, and the confidence to direct their own lives.

YSW is implementing this new initiative in close partnership with the Migori County government, local youth groups, and community stakeholders.

For YSW Executive Director Everlyne Samba, empowering young people begins with ensuring they possess the knowledge needed to make informed choices.

“We are on a mission to advance gender equality and sexual reproductive health, and to empower young people for their livelihoods through knowledge, skills, opportunities, and empowerment,” Samba said.

YSW, which has operated in Kenya since 2000 and currently works across at least 15 counties, finalized its new strategy in 2024. This milestone coincided with the organization’s transition from an international entity to a locally registered Kenyan organization.

Samba noted that the new strategy places gender equality at the core of its work, including addressing the power dynamics that impact young people’s lives.

Another major focus is sexual and reproductive health, with the organization seeking to ensure young people can easily access accurate information and youth-friendly services.

“Young people have a right to sexual and reproductive health information,” she emphasized.

The difficult journey into adulthood

For young people leaving school, the journey into adulthood can be deeply uncertain.

Social development professional Edah Mwangola explained that youth face distinct challenges as they try to establish themselves in society, pursue careers, and achieve independence.

She noted that women and girls often face additional barriers, while social media continues to heavily influence how young people perceive themselves, their relationships, and their opportunities.

“We recognize that young people go through different challenges as they transition out of school to integrate into society and pursue their careers,” Mwangola said.

She explained that the strategy focuses on giving young people access to information and resources that enable them to protect their sexual and reproductive health, while equipping them with skills to make informed choices.

For Mwangola, empowerment goes beyond providing assistance, it is about enabling young people to take responsibility for their own lives and participate in shaping the future of their communities.

“We see it as real empowerment when young people take charge of their lives,” she said.

Challenges

Victor Otieno, chairperson of the Restoring Hope Foundation and Ndege Youth Action, said young people in the county continue to face disproportionate rates of teenage pregnancy, new HIV infections, and sexual and gender-based violence.

He described YSW’s new strategy as a potential turning point due to its emphasis on prevention, education, and empowerment.

“As Migori youth, we are experiencing very serious challenges, including teenage pregnancies, new HIV infections, and sexual and gender-based violence. This strategic plan is a turnaround plan because it focuses on prevention, education, and empowerment,” Owino said.

He urged young people to take full advantage of available opportunities and play an active role in finding solutions to the problems affecting their communities.

Mary Odek, a member of the Restoring Hope Foundation from Rongo Sub-County, added that awareness remains essential in helping young people understand and navigate these struggles.

She emphasized that YSW’s focus on gender-based violence, HIV prevention, and teenage pregnancy equips young people with the knowledge needed to make sound decisions.

Building the future

The new strategy is not just about addressing immediate crises; YSW also aims to build an institution capable of adapting to the evolving needs of a new generation.

Samba highlighted that strengthening organizational systems, accountability, and operational capacity will be critical to ensuring YSW remains effective and responsive.

To maximize its impact, the organization plans to work closely with county governments, grassroots communities, and young people themselves.