Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are creating change today. 

For generations, young women and gender diverse people have been at the forefront of movements for social justice, gender equity, and systemic change. They have organized their communities, challenged injustice, and imagined more equitable futures. Yet many young advocates are expected to navigate complex systems and influence decision-makers without access to formal training, mentorship, or resources. 

At YWCA Canada, we believe young people deserve more than a seat at the table. They deserve the tools, support, and opportunities to shape the conversations and decisions that affect their lives and communities. 

That’s why, earlier this year, we launched the Young Feminists Advocacy Fellowship, a national leadership program designed to equip young women and gender diverse youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become effective advocates and changemakers. 

Building the Skills to Create Change 

The six-month fellowship supports young leaders from across the YWCA movement to strengthen their advocacy capacity through practical, hands-on learning. Participants gain experience in key areas such as public policy, government relations, strategic communications, digital organizing, coalition building, and civic engagement. 

The program recognizes a reality many young people face: they are already advocating for their communities, but often without formal opportunities to develop the skills needed to navigate systems of power and influence policy decisions. The fellowship bridges that gap, transforming passion into strategy and lived experience into impactful advocacy. 

Through a series of workshops and learning sessions, fellows explore topics including: 

• The fundamentals of advocacy 

• Anti-racism and anti-oppression frameworks 

• Strategic communications 

• Effective lobbying and government engagement 

• Research and community organizing practices 

At YWCA Canada, we know leadership is built through experience. 

A key component of the fellowship is the opportunity for fellows to participate in a youth-focused Day on the Hill in Ottawa, where they engage directly with federal decision-makers and advocate for issues related to gender equity and social justice. This experience provides participants with firsthand insight into Canada’s political and policy systems while demonstrating the power of youth voices in shaping public dialogue.  

Fellows are also paired with experienced mentors from across the YWCA movement who provide guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the program. This mentorship helps strengthen leadership skills while fostering meaningful connections across generations of advocates. 

A Legacy of Youth Leadership 

Youth leadership has always been part of YWCA’s story. 

As a movement, YWCA has long been powered by the energy, creativity, intelligence, and determination of young people. The Young Feminists Advocacy Fellowship builds on that legacy by creating new pathways for youth to influence policy, strengthen communities, and lead change at the local and national levels.  

This International Youth Day, we celebrate the young leaders who continue to challenge injustice, advocate for gender equity, and imagine a better future. We are proud to invest in their leadership and stand alongside them as they build that future today.