As the United Nations prepares to commemorate its 80th anniversary in 2025, a new global initiative is amplifying youth voices advocating for social change. Vitumbiko Caroline Ng'oma, a passionate advocate from Malawi, has emerged as a leading voice in the 'One Home: Shared Future' visual storytelling project, urging systemic reforms to empower rural girls.
Ng'oma, focusing on social equity, argues that true progress requires dismantling cultural and institutional barriers. 'Social equity isn't about equal treatment – it's about recognizing differences and creating pathways for excluded groups,' she stated. Her vision centers on ensuring girls in rural communities gain meaningful access to leadership opportunities through policy reforms rather than relying on chance.
The initiative, supported by international organizations, highlights how youth perspectives are shaping global development dialogues. Ng'oma emphasizes that symbolic inclusion isn't enough: 'We need structures that transform temporary opportunities into permanent platforms. When girls lead, entire communities benefit.'
This call for institutional change comes as Asian nations increasingly prioritize youth engagement in policymaking, particularly regarding gender equality and rural development – themes resonating across developing economies worldwide.
