Asha’s Story

Asha grew up in a community where a girl’s destiny was often predetermined, marriage and motherhood took precedence over education and personal ambition. She, like many others, had big dreams; she aspired to be a nurse, to heal the sick and serve her community. But fate had different plans. I believed that education was my …

Paschalina’s Story

Paschalina’s Journey to Breaking Barriers and Taking Charge of Her Life For the first time, I feel like I am in control of my own life. I understand my body, my rights, and my future. No one can make those choices for me anymore.  At just 23 years old, Paschalina Edward from Bereko Ward, Kondoa …

69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and Beijing+30

Representatives of Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society from all regions of the world  will convene in New York for the Commission on the Status of Women and Beijing+30 from 10-21 March 2025. They must commit to funding young people, youth organisations, and movements championing gender equality. The main …

Witness’ Story

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 …

Prishtina’s Story

“Empowerment comes when we break free from gender stereotypes and support others as equals. Together, we can make a difference.” Prishtina is a 23-year-old Young Leader from Pulchowk, Lalitpur in Nepal. She has worked with Restless Development for over a year on our Youth Take the Lead project. a three-hub country exchange program funded by …