Wanjuhi Njoroge, founder of THE Knowledge Group Limited. Photo: UN Women
I am Generation Equality because…
I believe in a world where every young woman’s voice is heard, and her rights are protected. By championing youth-centered policies, I aim to create an inclusive future where young women can lead and thrive. My name is Wanjuhi Njoroge, founder of THE Knowledge Group Limited and a member of the UN Women Youth Steering Committee from Kenya. My engagement with Generation Equality has been transformative, opening doors to champion youth-centered policies in support of young women in Kenya and Africa.
How are you benefiting from Generation Equality?
Being part of Generation Equality has deeply impacted my work, especially my experience with Beijing + 30 consultations. The best experience was witnessing young women from different regions of Africa come to discuss the progresses and challenges made in gender equality. These consultations brought out the ongoing challenges while showing the progress Kenya has made in promoting women's rights.
The consultations tackled major issues like teenage pregnancies and proved the importance of speaking up on the issues that matter most to us. The discussions highlighted the importance of understanding our national context, to effectively advocate for impactful policies. It also provided a valuable platform for young women to share their challenges and work together in seeking practical solutions.
What specific goal did you hope to achieve through the Beijing review?
Reflecting on this journey, I gained more than I expected. The consultations brought together a diverse group of people from all generations including Gen Z. For the first time in history, the youth had an actual avenue to contribute to policy formation. The involvement of women across generations, from young girls to older women, created a valuable opportunity for cross-generational understanding and mentorship.
This experience also deepened my awareness of the different issues facing women across East Africa, including access to sexual and reproductive health services, femicide, and the increasing threat of digital gender-based violence. Digital violence is a new and growing challenge for young girls, that demands stronger policies to protect them. Participating in these consultations strengthened my understanding of our regional challenges, and while much remains to be done, I am honored to serve as an advocate for meaningful policy change.
Parte superior do formulárioHow can we leverage the multi-stakeholder approach to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing +30 declaration platform?
In Africa, where more than half of the population is under 25 years old, youth must be at the center of policymaking. The consultations offered a learning space and mentorship across generations including women who attended the original Beijing conference. These platforms have proved that young people are not mere symbolic bystanders in these discussions, they are the voices we need to realize meaningful, effective policies that truly advance gender equality.
What are your key takeaways from this process?
The consultations were both inspirational and eye-opening. What stood out for me was the intentional and inclusiveness of people with disabilities. In many consultations, people with disabilities are often excluded or included symbolically. However, in these consultations, there was a deliberate effort to ensure active participation for all. This experience inspired me to prioritize the inclusiveness of people from all contexts in my work, particularly in organizing events and meetings.
Another powerful realization was the importance of youth inclusion. Sitting on a platform where my voice is heard in the decision-making process was empowering. I feel deeply honored to represent the voices of young women and youth. Finally, I recognized the value of diverse experiences in policy dialogues. Listening to the experiences and stories from younger girls, Generation Z, and millennials, about digital gender-based violence made me realize the urgency for protective policies for youth in the digital space. The experience has made me more determined to push and advocate for policies that are youth-centered, protecting the young population in Africa and having them at the core of the progress we hope to achieve.
Quote: “Young people are not mere symbolic bystanders in these discussions, they are the voices we need to realize meaningful, effective policies that truly advance gender equality” - Wanjihu Njoroge
