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Young men supporting  women voicing their thoughts and sharing their experiences - © UNFPA-supported Initiative’s Team

 

As part of promoting youth leadership and participation, which is key to UNFPA’s work1, UNFPA Syria,  in collaboration with its partners, the Syrian Youth Council2 and Sanad Youth-lead Initiative3, supported young people to plan and execute a licensed TEDx talk event in Damascus, Syria in synchronization with the closure of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign of 2021.

Nine strong, inspiring and dreaming female heroines celebrated their accomplishments and shared their powerful stories on the stage of the UNFPA-partially-supported initiative #TEDxSibkyParkWomen4 on the 23rd of December 2021 in the University of Damascus in Damascus, Syria.

It is only fair to say that the event hosted a wide array of galvanizing women from the first women to get elected for a political position at the age of 26 in Syria to the female journalist with her path in investigative journalism and her attempts to challenge injustices, especially when it comes to women’s rights, among others.

 

One of the speakers while emphasizing the power of words and creativity - © UNFPA-supported Initiative’s Team

Coming from different backgrounds and geographical areas across and outside Syria, the speakers shared a wide scope of ideas from technology and artificial intelligence, inclusion of women with disabilities, autonomy and courage in life/career choices, women positioning in public affairs in Syria to the need to combat all forms of pseudoscience that take advantage of the vulnerables in our local communities.

Driven by the mission to empower young people and provide them with opportunities to fulfill their potentials and bring positive change in their communities, while simultaneously working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goal #4: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and goal #10: reduce inequality within and among countries, UNFPA believes in the power of shedding the light on local ideas through researching, curating ideas on creativity, diversity, participation, empowerment, and inclusion, with a focus on the ones needed in the local communities in Syria, and displaying them in an eye-catching manner locally and internationally through TEDx Platform.

One of the speakers emphasized the importance of inclusion and inclusivity for people with disability - © UNFPA-supported Initiative’s Team

 

One of the speakers discussing Artificial Intelligence and how women can be pioneers

in this field despite the limits the community have set for them - © UNFPA-supported Initiative’s Team

A picture from the event capturing the audience while they were captivated by the “Talks”  - © UNFPA-supported Initiative’s Team

 

"Think again" was the call of action at the end of all talks. During the event, young people had a chance to “think again”, leave messages and take cards with messages of equality and empowerment, and reflect, aiming to make sure no potential or idea was left behind because young people’s ideas matter. Ideas are capable of changing how people view and think about the world around them and shaping their actions now and in the future.

 

 

 

Audience members having their pictures taken alongside a billboard of the nine-speaker with a motivational statement “Be the tenth speaker”  - © UNFPA-supported Initiative’s Team

 

The unprecedented number of adolescents living today – particularly in countries most in need of development – means that this generation will largely drive the outcomes of all the Sustainable Development Goals. They will also be the ones who have to live with the results. Investing in their education, health, and livelihoods, and in organizations, initiatives, and partnerships led by youth, will be critical to achieving every one of these goals.5

 

UNFPA has been working to urgently engage young people in its work, and advocates for youth engagement in the work of others. With donors’ support, UNFPA is operating six (06) youth-friendly spaces and supporting young people through building their capacities in the areas of peer education and life skills, in addition to how to lead and implement their initiatives. UNFPA, through its partners, also provides psychological support to young people through a set of individual and group counseling sessions and recreational activities and raises their awareness on gender-based violence, reproductive health, and adolescent health.

Thanks to the support of its donors, including the generous support of Canada, whose contribution supported this event, UNFPA advocates for youth engagement in the work of others. Just as importantly, UNFPA provides financial and technical support to adolescents and youth who are in the process of building networks and organizations to advocate for their human rights. The inclusion of youth from diverse backgrounds and identities, particularly the disadvantaged and marginalized, is prioritized.

UNFPA also promotes the meaningful participation of young people in international settings where issues relating to them will be discussed. Many of the youth networks UNFPA supports have been effective advocates for youth issues in international and regional forums.6