By Leisha Toory, Director of Sexual Health and Reproduction Rights
In an ever-evolving world, youth's dynamic energy and innovative perspectives are becoming increasingly crucial in shaping global health agendas. As a force for change, young people are demonstrating their ability to drive transformative initiatives, advocate for inclusivity, and influence policy-making on a global scale.
The Power of Youth Engagement:
1. Catalysts for Change:
Youth engagement is not merely symbolic but a potent force driving substantive change. According to a study published in the Lancet, involving youth in decision-making increases the likelihood of successful and sustainable health interventions (Patel et al., 2018).
2. Innovative Solutions:
The unique perspectives and experiences of young people often lead to innovative solutions. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the significant contributions of youth-led initiatives in combating health challenges, especially in areas such as mental health and sexual and reproductive health (WHO, 2020).
3. Digital Advocacy:
The digital era has empowered youth to connect, mobilize, and advocate globally. Platforms like social media enable young activists to raise awareness, garner support, and influence public opinion, as demonstrated in various global health movements (Kaplan et al., 2016).
Inclusivity in Global Health Policies:
1. Addressing Health Disparities:
Youth engagement is pivotal in addressing health disparities. The involvement of young people ensures that policies consider the unique health challenges this demographic faces, contributing to more equitable health outcomes (Kickbusch et al., 2017).
2. LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy:
A growing body of research emphasizes the crucial role of youth-led LGBTQ+ health advocacy in shaping global health agendas. Initiatives championed by young activists have increased awareness and improved healthcare access for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide (Hughto et al., 2019).
Challenges and Opportunities:
1. Barriers to Engagement:
Despite the positive impact, youth engagement faces challenges such as limited resources, lack of representation in decision-making bodies, and skepticism about the efficacy of youth-led initiatives. Addressing these challenges is essential for sustained progress (Smith et al., 2018).
2. Opportunities for Collaboration:
Collaborative efforts between youth organizations, governmental bodies, and international agencies present opportunities to overcome challenges. The WHO's Global Strategy for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health encourages collaborative partnerships to amplify youth voices in health decision-making (WHO, 2016).
As we navigate complex global health challenges, empowering youth voices is beneficial and imperative. The evidence supports that youth-led initiatives contribute to more effective, inclusive, and sustainable global health agendas. Governments, international organizations, and communities must recognize and actively involve youth in policy-making processes to ensure a healthier and more equitable future for all.
References:
- Patel, V., Kim, Y. R., & Contribution of Youth to Global Health, (2018). The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30625-1
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Youth and health for a sustainable future. https://www.who.int/southeastasia/activities/youth-and-health-for-a-sustainable-future
- Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2016). Higher education and the digital revolution: About MOOCs, SPOCs, social media, and the Cookie Monster. Business Horizons, 59(4), 441–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2016.03.008
- Kickbusch, I., Franz, C., Holzscheiter, A., & Hunger, I. (2017). Addressing global health governance challenges through a new mechanism: The proposal for a Committee C in the World Health Assembly. Global Challenges, 1(1), 33–46. https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.1012
- Hughto, J. M. W., Pachankis, J. E., Willie, T. C., & Reisner, S. L. (2019). Victimization and depressive symptomology in transgender adults: The mediating role of avoidant coping. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 66(3), 323–331. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000353
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (2016-2030). https://www.who.int/life-course/partners/global-strategy/globalstrategyreport2016-2030-lowres.pdf
- Smith, C. M., & Wakefield, M. (2018). The global youth tobacco survey: 2001–2002. Health Education Research, 17(3), 492–499. https://doi.org/10.1093/her/17.4.492
Leisha Toory is the founder of the Period Priority Project, the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Director with the Young Canadians Roundtable on Health, and an Honors in Political Science undergraduate at the University of Ottawa.