Youth
Gender
Advocacy
Fellowship

A project funded by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.

Key Objectives

Foster Education on Human Rights

Educate participants about international gender equality frameworks with a focus on CEDAW, the Istanbul Convention, the Osnabrück Gender Equality Action Plan 2021–2025 and their relevance. Using the Gender Matters Manual as the primary pedagogical tool, this objective aims to equip participants with foundational knowledge on human rights instruments, core terminology, and the respective roles and responsibilities of states, thereby creating a solid grounding for human rights frameworks

Youth for CEDAW

To equip youth participants with the skills and tools to understand and engage with the CEDAW review process, including drafting and submitting shadow reports for the 92nd session. Participants will be exposed to the CEDAW Youth participation process, the structure of the shadow report, how to critically analyze the information provided by state party reports, guidelines for report writing, etc.

Track Gender Equality Gaps

To analyze and assess the implementation of Germany’s CEDAW concluding observations, the Committee of Parties (Istanbul Convention) recommendations and the Osnabrück Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025. This will help identify successes and gaps that remain in Osnabrück with regard to gender equality. In the end, a publication will be produced and disseminated, which will provide immediate actions that the city (policymakers and stakeholders) can take in an effort to close gender equality gaps.

Advocate for Gender Equality

To raise community awareness and foster dialogue on gender equality issues in Osnabrück. Youth-led advocacy will be crucial to realising change, which will be achieved through public campaigns, reflective blog series, and a youth-led public forum, driving local policy.

Why This Project Matters

The Youth Gender Advocacy Fellowship addresses a significant gap in Osnabrück by empowering underrepresented youth to actively participate in gender equality advocacy, bridging local actions and global frameworks. Young people, particularly those facing intersectional barriers such as race, gender identity, citizenship, and migration background, often find themselves marginalized from decision-making processes and policy advocacy. The project equips youth with comprehensive knowledge of key international instruments such as CEDAW , the Istanbul Convention and the Osnabrück Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025, practical advocacy skills, and platforms for both global and local engagement. Participants will gain valuable lifelong skills in research, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, fostering their agency and civic responsibility. The fellowship enhances accountability and ensures global recommendations are translated into concrete local actions. This innovative dual approach positions youth as effective advocates and changemakers, significantly contributing to systemic gender equality in Osnabrück and beyond.

Meet Our Fellows

Young advocates driving gender justice in Osnabrück.

Astan Keita

Beryl Waindi

Brandy Nekoye

Comfort Yeboaa

Deniz Barut

Elfrida Tembo

Elsa Souoguem

Felicity Asare

Harmanpreet Kaur

Mara Dankbar

Milica Milutinovic

Neele Kuder

Prince Nzeouango

Sajedeh Zavareh

Sarah Toure

Stephanie Emebo

Stephanie Nfor

Project Activities

Because gender matters for All

Voice In Motion: Igniting Gender Advocacy I

A vibrant weekend gathering of youth and advocates exploring theme gender equality through storytelling, reflection, and collective action — all in the heart of Osnabrück.

Join us for an inspiring talk by Dr. Byelikova on the lives experiences and challenges of Ukrainian refugee women in Germany.

Yuliya Byelikova

Research Fellow at Mercator Forum Migration and Democracy (MIDEM)

Join us for a throught-provoking session on gender equality in Osnabruck, exploring local realities through the lens of migrant experiences

Esther Nachiwara

Project Coordinator, Kakadoo Allezusammen e.V

Voice In Motion: Igniting Gender Advocacy II

As we advance the discourse on gender, young participants engage in examining the nexus between gender equality and climate change within their local contexts. This process fosters a more nuanced understanding of anti-discrimination laws and their applicability in community settings. Informed by empirical research, the discussions elicit critical reflections and contribute to the consolidation of contextualized knowledge.

Join us for a thought-provoking session on the nexus of gender and climate change in Cabo Verde.

Mónica Rodrigues

Founder & President of the Ecofeminism Movement | Gender, and Climate Expert

This session will adopt an interview set up (Q&A) concerning the Osnabrück Equality Action Plan.

Heba Najdi

Anti-Discrimination Offfice of the City of Osnabrück, Equal Opportunities Department

Voice In Motion: Igniting Gender Advocacy III

Now is the moment to unveil the findings of our gender equality research. What do the facts reveal? What stories do the numbers tell?

The Youth Gender Advocacy Forum offers a vital platform for our fellows and the community of Osnabrück to come together in meaningful dialogue. It’s a chance to reflect, challenge assumptions, and collaboratively shape the path forward toward a more gender-equal Osnabrück

Project Outputs

Osnabrück Gender Lens policy brief

Building on Germany’s long-standing commitment to gender equality and non-discrimination, this policy brief examines the Osnabrück Equality Action Plan through a gender-sensitive and intersectional lens. It assesses the municipality’s accountability by analysing how far existing measures address diverse gender dynamics across key policy fields. The brief critically evaluates both the plan’s contributions and its limitations in reducing persistent gender inequalities across intersectional groups.

Shadow Report Submitted to the CEDAW Committee

A civil-society perspective on gaps, progress, and accountability mechanisms in the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in Cabo Verde. Publication coming shortly.

CSW70 Global Youth and Adolescent Recommendations

A youth-led submission to the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70)! The submission amplifies youth voices on online bullying, digital harm, and barriers to access to justice, translating lived experiences into concrete, policy-relevant recommendations.

YouGender Series

A blog series that amplifies young voices exploring what gender equality means in today’s world—where gender issues remain deeply contested. Through stories, reflections, and critical insights, the series examines key challenges such as discriminatory laws, violence against women, harmful practices, women’s leadership, and empowerment.