A Vision Shared: Voices of Young People Worldwide

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Comfort, 22, Nigeria
"I know that because of what the Girls' Power Initiative (GPI) and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are doing, in the next few years the future of girls and women will change - it's happening now." 

Perla, 26, Mexico
"We need to be able to count on access to methods, to medical services, to information free from religious prejudices and biases that treat youth as irresponsible people."

Emily, 24, United States
"Like many people, I dream of having a family and a nice place to live and work, and like most people, I would like to see others have the same opportunity to access these things, unfettered by background, origin, class, or conflict."

Reena, 21, Kenya
"I dream of a time when everyone will be living in a safe place, away from any form of violence or criminal activity. Above all, I dream of a time when a respect for women's rights will be observed at all levels."

Kristen, 26, Australia
"I am fortunate to be a woman from a country where the rights of women are recognized far more than in other parts of the world. But, I refuse to accept any form of gender discrimination in any aspect of my own life, or in my country."

Rose, 22, Philippines
"I personally believe in implementing sex education in the schools' curriculum...If parents are not willing to teach their children about sex, the educational institutions are responsible to provide this information."

Dennitah, 29, Kenya
"I have a dream that all people of the world, women and men, boys and girls, will see a just and peaceful society in which women are respected and recognized equally as men, in their contribution to the building of an African society."

Lydia, 25, Uganda
"My dream is that all young people live in an environment that is free from all forms of human rights abuses. I believe that this is achievable...."

Fatma, 22, Kenya
"As there are so many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) today, I am sure that my dreams will come true as the NGOs serve the reflected purpose."

Selene, 25, Italy
"Resilient communities often rely on women for their well-being and peaceful coexistence, and therefore, a lack of opportunities for women to raise their voices and share their concerns results in a missed opportunity to make a community thrive and prosper."

Tolu, 21, Nigeria
"I am empowering myself with knowledge about these aspects of society so as to help others empower themselves as well.  I am educating colleagues and younger girls on their reproductive health and rights."

Rachel, 19, Indonesia
"I do not feel embarrassed to announce that I am a feminist, because a feminist is not a 'man eater,' but is someone who is concerned about women."

Hamdallah, 21, Nigeria
"I dream of a time when everyone is considered equal - a time when women are treated like the princesses they are."

Rose, 25, Nigeria
"I hope...to see a society where young girls are allowed to choose for themselves the man/partner they want to live with, and where they and not forcefully withdrawn from school."

Anne, 31, Uganda
"It's only through education that girls can fight HIV and fight for their rights."

Ieda, 26, Brazil
"I lead educational activities that...encourage women to realize what changes are possible and that their involvement in the decision-making process is important, not only for their own lives, but for the lives of their communities."

Valérie, 28, Cameroun
"I...hope to see the initiation of a methodical process of reflection about the qualitative indicators of sexual and reproductive rights."

Sesan, 26, Nigeria
"Most of the young girls in my community don't attain education beyond secondary school...This hampers the much needed progress in ensuring the human rights of girls.."

Phoebe, 24, Kenya
"I am teaching my community—especially young people—about their right to education and their right to take, and have their partners take, an HIV/AIDS test before marriage." 

Page last updated 6/12/08.