Charity Nyambe is a young changemaker based in Zambia who is passionate about ensuring youth voices are represented in decision-making spaces. She has dedicated her efforts to empowering her peers and addressing critical issues that impact their futures, such as sexual health education and climate change. She is also an author, vlogger and VoiceBox content contributor! You can check out her work here. 

Hey Charity! Thank you so much for agreeing to answer our questions today! Can you start by telling us a little about when you became a youth advocate, and what motivated you to do so?

I became a Youth Advocate in 2020 because I was driven by the urgent need to raise awareness for climate action & access to sexual reproductive health services for adolescents and young people. 

I also felt compelled to amplify youth voices in decision-making processes. It felt like nobody was listening to us young people, even though we've got tons of smart ideas to fix things. So, I decided to shout louder to make sure our voices are heard in decisions that affect our future. We've got solutions – it's time for everyone to listen up!

What are some of the key issues or causes that you are passionate about advocating for, and why?

I'm passionate about advocating for several key issues that deeply affect our generation. As I mentioned, climate change is a big one because I've seen firsthand how it's messing with our future. Access to sexual reproductive health services is another because it's crazy how many young people are struggling with HIV, teenage pregnancy, and poor reproductive health, just to name a few, due to a lack of knowledge and access to SRH Services. Also, child protection is crucial because every child deserves to grow up safe and happy. Finally, gender inclusion is close to my heart because everyone, regardless of gender, should have the same opportunities and rights. 

What do you feel are the main barriers preventing young people from actively participating in decision-making roles?

In my opinion, several barriers prevent young people from actively participating in decision-making roles. Firstly, the absence of deliberate laws mandating the placement of competent youth in decision-making positions hinders our representation. Without legal frameworks that prioritize youth inclusion, it's easy for decision-makers to overlook our voices.

Financial freedom is another significant barrier. Many young people face economic constraints that limit their ability to engage in decision-making processes. Whether it's due to student debt, lack of access to resources, or financial instability, these challenges can make it difficult for youth to participate fully.

Moreover, the lack of investment in skills development further exacerbates the problem. Without adequate training and opportunities to enhance our abilities, young people may feel ill-equipped or unqualified to take on decision-making roles. Investing in skills development programs tailored to youth can empower us to contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes and overcome these barriers.

What strategies have you found effective in encouraging change?

One of the most effective strategies I've found in encouraging change is a commitment to inclusion. By ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of gender, physical ability, age, sex, race, or ethnicity, we create a more equitable and just society. Inclusion means actively seeking out diverse perspectives and experiences and valuing each individual's unique contributions.

When everyone feels heard and respected, they are more likely to actively engage in the change-making process. In my experience, fostering an inclusive environment not only promotes collaboration and creativity but also strengthens the impact of our efforts. By championing inclusion, we can build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

How do you navigate power dynamics or challenges as a young person in a space dominated by older generations?

Navigating power dynamics as a young person in a space dominated by older generations is all about respecting their perspectives while asserting our own. By fostering collaboration and mutual respect, we can bridge generational divides which makes it easier to work towards common goals. I find that actively seeking opportunities to learn from older generations while advocating for our needs is the most effective approach to ensuring our voices are heard. I think the key is balancing respect for the past while keeping an eye on the vision for the future. This way all generations can thrive and contribute meaningfully to positive change.

What advice would you give to young people who aspire to become involved in decision-making roles?

To believe in themselves wholeheartedly. Confidence in your abilities is crucial for success. Remember, learning is a continuous process that never stops, so "researching your research" is key. 

Develop the skill of working effectively with people, as collaboration is often essential in decision-making roles. 

With determination, a willingness to learn, and a collaborative mindset, you can make a significant impact in decision-making roles.

What do you hope the future of decision-making will look like?

I hope the future of decision-making will be inclusive and representative. By valuing diverse perspectives and ensuring equal participation, we can create policies and initiatives that truly reflect the needs and interests of everyone. In this future, decision-making processes will be transparent, equitable, and empowering for all individuals, regardless of gender identity, physical ability, race, or ethnicity, just to name a few.