Starting in 2001,  AWID has engaged in specific activities that recognize the unique experiences and perspectives of young women activists and worked to support young women in their efforts to achieve women’s rights and tackle global challenges.  Since 2007 this work has taken place within the Young Feminist Activism Program which has sought to complement the work plans of the different AWID Strategic Initiatives with components that engage, support, build skills and/or highlight the perspectives of young women.  Two years of working on this cross cutting approach has given AWID a toolkit of strategies for integrating young women at key points in our work. We have also developed our understanding of the most effective strategies to foster young feminist activism.

Drawing on these experiences, in 2009, the Young Feminist Activism program began to define our work explicitly around movement building objectives.  Our main focus is on supporting young feminist initiatives within the women’s movement.  Work in this area is designed to respond to the needs expressed by young feminists (across different regions and contexts) for resources and tools to cultivate and sustain their activism. We also encourage and support women’s rights organizations and donors to provide better avenues and opportunities for young women in the movement. The program also engages in research activities that highlight the perspectives of young women and respond to their experiences within the themes of selected AWID Strategic Initiatives.