In the heart of Malawi, adolescent girls and young women in Balaka are breaking barriers and challenging societal norms to advocate for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). Leveraging the power of digital media and technology these young change-makers are amplifying their voices, mobilizing their communities, and creating a ripple effect of positive change. Digital media has turned around the way adolescent girls and young women in Balaka engage with their communities, access information, and advocate for their rights. With the access of smartphones that they received through the UNFPA TEENS project being supported by Ireland Embassy, different social media platforms, and online forums, these young advocates are: amplifying their voices by sharing their personal stories, experiences, and opinions on GBV and SRHR. On top of that they are able to access resources, utilizing online materials, tools, and expertise to inform their advocacy. As much as digital media is a powerful tool, these young advocates recognize the importance of offline activism. They are up and down ensuring that the communities that they come from are not left behind. As they are trying to bridge the digital divide between the rural and the urban they are ensuring no one is left behind when it comes to access to information. In their strategies they are organizing community events such as awareness campaigns, collaborating with local chiefs, elders, and religious leaders and supporting survivors by providing referral services. Adolescent girls and young women in Balaka are redefining advocacy and activism in the digital era. By harnessing the power of digital media and gadgets, they are challenging GBV, championing SRHR, and creating a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
