Shifting the Narrative

Shifting the Narrative is a monthly blog series bringing diverse perspectives from within the EMpower ecosystem. It explores key issues impacting young people, philanthropy, and the sector as a whole, while showcasing EMpower's ongoing efforts to address these challenges.

Why We Influence

Posted 23 January 2025

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In this month's blog, Nisha Dhawan, EMpower's Vice President for Impact and Influence, tells the story behind why we influence the field at large and and why it matters. Reflecting on EMpower's 25-year journey, she highlights how we amplify local innovations, centre young people, identify and share best practices, foster collaboration, and shape global conversations on the issues that matter most.

Building Community, Maximising Impact Through Donor-Led Events

Posted 18 December 2024

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At EMpower, we believe in the transformative power of bringing people together—to forge connections, inspire action, and catalyse change. Donor-led events are central to our community, helping deepen and widen our collective impact.

The Power of Safe Spaces: Why Inclusion is Essential for Young People’s Growth

Posted 21 November 2024

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With over 10 years of experience working to advance the rights of sexual and gender minorities in West Africa, I began exploring capacity-building initiatives for nascent and small organisations as an independent consultant. This eventually led to my role at EMpower as the Programme Consultant for Nigeria and Ghana in 2022, where I have enjoyed supporting organisations that work with young people (ages 10 – 24), training them in relevant life skills (including self-confidence, decision-making, and communication), fostering physical and mental wellbeing, and providing them with learning opportunities—formal or informal—as well as improving their livelihood opportunities.

Celebrating Girls’ Leadership this International Day of Girl: Insights, reflections, and the way forward

Posted 24 October 2024

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On this International Day of the Girl (IDG) 2024, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of youth, especially girls and young women. Over the years, we have learned so much about their contexts, unique experiences, needs, and diverse identities—across gender, sexuality, caste, religion, age, community, and economic background.

The Power of Storytelling: Centring Young People

Posted 19 September 2024

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Storytelling is not just about recounting events. It’s about standing in one’s power and telling one’s truth. It’s about agency. When young people are either in positions to tell their stories themselves or be actively involved in how that story gets told, they bring a level of nuance and truth that no one else can replicate. It’s their voice, their experiences, and their narrative—exactly as they want it to be heard. 

Young People at the Helm: Championing Change through Meaningful Engagement

Posted 20 August 2024

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Since I joined EMpower in January earlier this year, one of my key deliverables has been to lead and implement Meaningful Youth Engagement (MYE) in South Africa (SA), with a focus on mental health. MYE essentially means to centre young people, their voices, choices, and wisdom in a non-tokenistic way. Last week, we observed International Youth Day (IYD), which made me think about its significance at EMpower.

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