Empowering Young Leaders: EMpower’s Meaningful Youth Engagement Programme in Mexico

Since September last year, EMpower has been piloting an exciting programme in Mexico focused on Meaningful Youth Engagement (MYE). This initiative, driven by a dynamic group of young leaders— Jenifer , Héctor Sevilla, Melanie, Sophia, Abril, and Eddy—has made significant strides in addressing the pressing issues young people face today.

Understanding Young People’s Needs

The programme began with a survey designed to gather insights from young people about the challenges they encounter. The feedback collected not only shaped EMpower's updated country strategy but also highlighted the urgent need for youth-led initiatives that address these concerns directly.

A Successful Youth-Led Event

One of the standout achievements of this programme was a virtual event organised entirely by our young leaders. Their dedication to creating a safe space for dialogue resulted in a resounding success. They took ownership of every detail—creating promotional materials, designing the agenda, and planning the event flow to ensure it resonated with their peers.

The goal was clear: to establish a platform where young people could openly share their experiences and gain valuable insights from specialist organisations, Microtramas and Poderosas Colombia .

During the event, two groups were formed, each led by an expert facilitator on the relevant topic. EMpower fellows joined one of the groups to assist in keeping the conversation flowing. One group focused on Myths and Realities of STIs, while the other explored Identity, Decision-Making, and the Opinions of Others.

By Young People, For Young People

This event exemplified the philosophy of "by young people, for young people," reflecting the most relevant topics identified through peer-to-peer surveys. Participants engaged in candid discussions about their decision-making challenges and uncertainties regarding sexual health. A total of 22 young participants left the session feeling empowered and enriched with new insights.

Voices of Our EMpower Fellows

Here’s what two of our EMpower Mexican Fellows had to say about their experience:

Héctor Flores: "For me, this event represents an opportunity for young people to realize that they are not alone. Like them, many of us go through similar circumstances, and we can face them in a better way by learning from experts and making more informed decisions for our future. It made me feel very comfortable and calm, giving me the confidence to talk about topics that are sometimes difficult to share or explain."

Jenifer Hernandez: "It was a huge achievement in my life, as I had never participated in something like this before. Planning the event was fun and interesting, and it allowed me to learn what goes on behind the scenes. It made me feel very happy and motivated, and it's another achievement that I add to my life."

Reflections on the Experience

At the end of the session, participants shared one word to describe their experience, using terms like confidence, knowledge, warmth, and freedom, among others.

Why This Matters

Empowering young people to engage in discussions about their challenges is crucial. It not only fosters a sense of community but also equips them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions for their futures. Through initiatives like this, we can create spaces where youth voices are heard and valued, ultimately leading to more informed and empowered future generations.

Together, we can continue to champion the voices of young people, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to navigate the complexities of their lives.