Harnessing the Power of Youth Survivors of Sexual & Gender-based Violence
Survivors of sexualized and gendered violence have long been at the forefront of demanding accountability, justice, and healing. But while movements have made space for survivor leadership, young survivor-leaders - those (still) youth who have experienced violence in childhood and adolescence - remain largely excluded from shaping the very efforts meant to secure their safety and dignity.
The global fight to end sexual violence has not yet reckoned with what it means to meaningfully centre youth survivor-leaders, often side-lining them in the name of their protection.
This session challenges that status quo, pushing past the assumptions that have kept young survivor-leaders at the margins.
Bringing together movement leaders and experts - including Dr. Ramatu Bangura (Purposeful & CRIF), Tarana Burke (MeToo International), Maheen Kaleem (G4GC), and Fanta Toure (Girls First Fund) - the conversation will explore both the possibilities and the risks of making space for young survivors in movement spaces.
What does real safety look like, beyond paternalism and exclusion? How can movements, funders, and allies engage youth survivors in ways that are not extractive, tokenizing, or retraumatizing? And what would it take to ensure that those most directly impacted by sexual violence are not just included, but are shaping the fight for justice on their own terms?
This will be a participatory session, designed to spark deep reflection and conversation. Attendees will leave with sharper questions, tangible starting points, and a deeper commitment to building movement spaces where young survivors are not just seen, but supported in leading. Change happens in steps - but the first is recognizing the urgency of shifting power.
Brief Speakers Bio:
Dr. Ramatu Bangura (Purposeful & CRIF): Co-CEO of Purposeful and Founding Director of the Children’s Rights Innovation Fund, with 25+ years of experience in organizing, advocacy, and research to advance the rights, leadership, and safety of adolescent girls and young people worldwide.
Tarana Burke (MeToo International): Founder of the Me Too movement, amplifying survivor voices and advocating for systemic change in the fight against sexual violence.
Maheen Kaleem (G4GC): Committed to resourcing girl- and gender-expansive youth of color, ensuring they have the funding and power to lead transformative justice efforts.
Fanta Toure (Girls First Fund): Focused on shifting power and resources to grassroots, girl-led organizing, strengthening movements for gender justice from the ground up.
Read more: https://crifund.org/what-if/
CRIF blog: https://medium.com/@connect_80880
Purposeful blog: https://medium.com/@we-are-purposeful
Capacity: 60 maximum.