The Power of Storytelling: Centring Young People

Storytelling is a powerful medium of communication. And with great power comes great responsibility. Often, even with the best intentions, nonprofits working with young people may not do justice to their stories. In such instances, young people feel spoken for and that can be disempowering. 

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. 
For young people, telling their own stories is an act of self-representation. It shapes how they are seen by the world—and, most importantly, how they see themselves. And that’s what is most powerful. It allows young people to share their unique experiences, advocate for themselves, and drive societal change.

At EMpower, we are firm believers in the fact that young people should always be the protagonists of their own stories. For nearly 25 years, this belief has guided everything we do. We’re committed to amplifying youth voices, creating platforms where they can reclaim their narratives, and spark conversations that centre their experiences. It’s not just about giving young people a platform to tell their stories—it’s about ensuring that their stories/voices are heard, understood, and valued.

How EMpower has been centring that belief 

We have woven youth voices into the fabric of our communications, programmes, and grantmaking. Here are just a few examples of how EMpower supports young people in telling their own stories, especially in our communications:

International Day Campaigns on Social Media

EMpower actively participates in International Days, including Youth Skills Day, International Youth Day, International Day of the Girl, International Women’s Day, and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. Our recent social media campaigns have consistently provided young people with meaningful opportunities to share their stories, experiences, and opinions. For this year’s International Youth Day campaign, we brought together EMpower Youth Fellows from Mexico, India, South Africa, and Indonesia, encouraging them to ask each other questions about their work, ambitions, and journeys. Using technology to bridge distance and time, we created a platform where their stories were shared globally, offering insights into the diverse contexts and aspirations.

Dedicated Sections on the Website, Newsletter, and Annual Report

EMpower’s website features a dedicated "Stories of Change" section, spotlighting the stories of the young people we work with. These stories are often highlighted in our monthly newsletters, which go out to our Board of Directors, donors, and supporters to showcase the impact of youth-led initiatives. Our 2023 Annual Report was focused exclusively on the powerful stories of young people, underscoring their role in driving change. The best part is that most of these stories were written by young people themselves/grantee partners they worked with. 

Young People’s Voice in Global Space

At EMpower, we ensure that youth voices aren’t confined to just digital platforms, Whether it’s our Youth Fellows in India leading programmatic efforts and presenting to our Global Board of Directors during their visit to India, Youth Fellows from East and Southeast Asia participating in the AwareNest Community of practices in Indonesia, or Youth Fellows from South Africa attending global conferences/forums, we are committed to amplifying their voices. Last year, at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) event, we made sure that the perspectives and stories of young people and our Youth Fellows resonate loudly in spaces where decisions are made.

The importance of young people telling their own stories cannot be overstated. At EMpower, we are constantly exploring new ways to enhance our communications, programmes, and partnerships, ensuring that we continue to provide meaningful opportunities to young people to voice their opinion and tell their own stories. By owning and expressing their experiences, they gain agency and influence, and who knows—their stories might just inspire change.