Empowering Young Mothers to Build Sustainable Livelihoods In many communities, teenage pregnancy remains a significant barrier to economic independence and education for young women. Without financial stability or access to resources, many young mothers find themselves trapped in cycles of dependency and poverty. Limited educational opportunities, lack of financial support and societal stigma often make …
Masitula Musubika, a 28-year-old from the Island of Jaguzi in Mayuge district, Eastern Uganda, lives with a physical disability. In 2024, she joined Restless Development as a Youth Researcher on the Youth Researchers Academy Project, focusing on the topic of examining the barriers and facilitators to accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services among young …
Laxmi Kumari Chaudhary: From Quiet Observer to Climate Action Leader Laxmi Kumari Chaudhary (22) grew up in Baragadhi Rural Municipality, a place where caste and gender discrimination were ingrained in daily life. She witnessed Dalits being shooed away from people’s homes and girls being denied the same opportunities as boys. Although she wasn’t directly subjected …
Fridah Banda, a young woman from Ngala Village in Chadiza, Zambia, proved that with determination, access and hard work, financial freedom is achievable. – Fridah Banda Fridah joined the YSLA in her community in 2023, a decision that completely changed her life. Starting with a small savings pot, she began making and selling sweet scones …
How Abubakar Defied the Odds and Transformed His Community Abubakar Matumla, a young leader from Kibaha District, Tanzania, began his lifelong learning journey amidst the challenges of accessing education due to his family’s financial constraints. Despite these difficulties, his parents’ unwavering determination inspired him to pursue his studies, instilling in him values of courage and …
Rasti Buda Magar grew up in Nepalgunj, a bustling town where the environment often took a backseat to rapid urbanization. As a child, she saw people casually toss wrappers and trash on the streets, including herself. Climate change and environmental protection were concepts she learned about in school, but they seemed distant and irrelevant to …
Bam Bahadur BK is a young leader from Achham, Nepal whose story exemplifies resilience, determination, and the power of youth empowerment. Bam inspires and leads other young people with disabilities, proving that limitations can be overcome.
In 2018, Sharon embarked on her career journey as a Communications Intern under the Youth Internship Program (YIP), a Chemonics International initiative in partnership with Restless Development Uganda. Before joining the Youth Internship Program (YIP), Sharon had graduated from journalism school in 2017. During that period, she was at home without a job. To make …
Dianna-Rose Lucian Materu, is a 21 year old young leader and entrepreneur from Dodoma, Tanzania, living in Chang’ombe Ward. Dianna-Rose’s journey is a demonstration of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of youth empowerment. “Since I was little, I wanted to be a businesswoman and be financially independent. But I knew I could only do …
“Fear of speaking about sexuality to adolescents by parents jeopardises their future aspirations.” Jenifer is a 67-year-old retired primary teacher. She is one of the Social Analysis and Action (SAA) group members under the SHE SOARS project in Dadamo sub-county. She has five children and one adopted child, making her a mother of six. She raised …