I am often in high-level meetings with people that are very much my senior in their respective roles and age, but it can be daunting when you stand out as the youngest in the room. This is a reoccurring scenario for me as a young professional and youth advocate, and I want to change it.
My journey started when I was 15. My father lost his job due to a corruption case he was not directly involved in but sadly got caught in the crossfires.
Our family was changed forever. After that, I joined a local youth group called the Youth Against Corruption Association. I didn’t want other young people to have to go through what I did, so I began to speak out against social injustice. This eventually led to joining more organizations, as I was inspired to change the world.
Through these activities, I noticed the lack of youth representation and participation in my country. Given that Papua New Guinea’s youths (age 12 to 30) make up 60% of its total population, it seemed unfortunate that young people were not given the space they needed to voice their opinions and drive conversations that mattered to them.
I quickly realized that the lack of participation was more than a lack of spaces for young people. They needed to be empowered in order to utilize the platforms available to them. Just as I was empowered by the amazing role models that guided me and believed in me, I knew I also had the responsibility to empower the youth around me. This led to a journey of working with young people in schools, churches, and communities throughout Papua New Guinea—a journey nine years and counting.
I have had the honor of working with young people through day retreats, school camps, and week-long workshops. Many of them feel that their dreams and opinions are not taken seriously, so I empower them by first and foremost listening. Many young people leave as a different person, with a spark in their eyes and newfound confidence in themselves and what they can contribute to society.
My pride and joy today is attending an event and seeing the young people I have worked with taking center stage, leading, and standing up for what they believe in.
I am not the youngest at the table anymore—a lot more young people are present. However, there can be and should be more. I was empowered so that I can empower. I dream this cycle will continue, through myself and all those I have had the honor to walk with.
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