Young people are calling for a stronger voice in shaping policies that affect their lives. Students from across the country presented recommendations on youth welfare, gender equality and comprehensive sexuality education to Members of Parliament during a week-long Summer Youth Engagement Programme in the capital.
Around 57 young participants from 28 schools took part in the engagement programme organised by RENEW.
After learning about civic participation, parliamentary processes, youth rights, and online safety, the participants presented their recommendations to lawmakers based on their experiences and concerns.
The programme also featured youth-led debates and discussions on cyberbullying and technology-facilitated violence and abuse.
Participants said the programme gave them the confidence to speak up and contribute to policymaking rather than simply being beneficiaries of government policies.
“Making policies is not only for older people, but it should also be based on youth because we are the ones building our future, and we will be the ones working in it. I will try to advocate for and implement my takeaways in day-to-day life. Programmes like this advocate for youth and help us to understand the real essence of being a youth, a real builder of the future,” said Unish Ghalleay, a student of Karma Academy, Paro.
RENEW Youth Ambassador Sushil Rai said,”One of my biggest takeaways from this programme is that Comprehensive Sexuality Education is not only about reproductive health. It is about equipping young people with accurate knowledge, life skills and values to make informed and responsible decisions. I also learned the importance of consent, respect, gender equality, healthy relationships and breaking the stigma around discussing sexual and reproductive health.”
“I learned about human rights, comprehensive sexuality education, rights and wrongs. I will advocate for these things with my peers. Such programmes are important because they help youth become more vocal about sexuality education and youth rights,” said Chimi Tshoki Yangden, a member of Druk Adolescents’ Initiative on Sexual Awareness Network (DAISAN).
Organisers say creating platforms like this helps ensure young people become informed, responsible and active citizens.
Anita Chhetri
Edited by Sonam Pem
