Youth for a Sustainable World (YSW), a locally-led, youth-centered feminist organization, has officially launched its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan in West Pokot.
The ambitious roadmap is aimed at transforming the lives of young people through gender equality, socio-economic empowerment, climate resilience, and integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services.
The five-year strategy focuses on advancing youth leadership in governance and policy, strengthening youth enterprises and market systems, promoting reproductive justice, and creating sustainable livelihoods for young people, especially girls and young women.
According to the strategic plan, YSW seeks to build inclusive and safe spaces where youth can access opportunities, meaningful participation, and leadership platforms while addressing systemic inequalities affecting communities across West Pokot and beyond.
Speaking during the launch, West Pokot County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Sports and Youth Affairs, Ms. Lucky Litole, reaffirmed the County government’s commitment to working closely with YSW, to ensure the success of the Strategic Plan.
“We recognize the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable impact, and we are fully committed to supporting the implementation of county gender and child protection policies in alignment with your Strategic Plan,” said Litole.
She added that the County government would support policy development, strengthen advocacy efforts, and integrate YSW programmes into county structures to enhance sustainability and long-term impact.
“We further pledge to work jointly in addressing inequalities, harmful cultural practices, and systemic barriers that continue to affect girls and young women in our communities,” she stated.
Jefferson Mudaki, Executive Director of Declares Kenya, emphasized the critical role of youth-led advocacy and grassroots mobilization in driving social transformation.
“Meaningful change begins within our communities, and we are ready to lead that transformation,” said Mudaki.
He noted that young people would continue championing intersectional feminist practices while promoting equitable access to youth-friendly SRHR information and services.
“Young people are not just beneficiaries, but agents of change whose voices, ideas, and leadership are essential in shaping a just and equitable society,” he added.
West Pokot Director of Children Services, Mr. Philip Wapopa, also pledged stronger collaboration in strengthening child protection systems and combating harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
“Protecting children from all forms of harm, particularly sexual and gender-based violence, remains a top priority for our department,” said Wapopa.
He further emphasized the need for stronger referral systems to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and called for sustained community sensitization to safeguard children’s rights and futures.
Perece Motoywo, Projects Officer at YSW, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing a youth-led feminist agenda that prioritizes gender equality, integrated SRHR, economic empowerment, and inclusive leadership for young people, especially girls and young women.
“We believe sustainable change can only happen when young people, especially young women and marginalized groups, are meaningfully included in decision-making, leadership, and accountability spaces,” said Motoywo.
YSW’s Strategic Plan is anchored on key thematic areas including inclusion and non-discrimination, intersectional feminist practice, power sharing, equality and equity, learning and innovation, accountability, and integrity.
Through multiple projects in West Pokot, the organization hopes to empower young people with knowledge, skills, leadership opportunities, and economic resilience while strengthening community systems that support dignity, equality, and sustainable development.
By Parklea Ivor
