Youth as drivers of future change
Young people make up the largest demographic in East Africa, yet their voices are often absent from decision-making on freedom of religion and belief (FoRB). A new policy brief, Youth Engagement in FoRB Initiatives, published by the University of Groningen together with the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) and supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlights both the risks of sidelining youth and the opportunities of empowering them as leaders in peacebuilding. It outlines how youth energy, creativity, and networks – both online and offline – are essential for the future of FoRB and offers practical recommendations to ensure young people are recognised as key actors in building inclusive and resilient communities.
Generational gaps and missed opportunities
The absence of youth voices in religious institutions and peace processes has widened generational divides. Authority often remains in the hands of elders, leaving young people without a seat at the table. As a result, many claim alternative spaces, from digital platforms to civic protests. Kenya’s Gen Z demonstrations in 2024 were a stark reminder: when young people are excluded, they will mobilise outside institutional channels.
During a workshop with academics, policymakers, practitioners in Kenya one of the participants captured this tension vividly: “The face of the youth is missing. They are moving out of our religious setups… When we talk about polarization or difficult issues, the youth are not with us.” This lack of representation risks losing an entire generation of peacebuilders who could strengthen FoRB from within their communities. Equally important is reframing how youth are perceived. Too often they are seen only as victims of manipulation or perpetrators of violence, rather than as constructive actors already bridging divides.
Policy recommendations
The policy brief calls for initiatives that meet youth where they are. Digital platforms, informal networks, and youth-led movements should be recognised as central to how young people organise today. Supporting these spaces, rather than forcing youth into outdated structures, is key to building trust and ensuring ownership.
Long-term investment in youth leadership is also essential. Beyond training, this means opening pathways to decision-making within faith institutions and interfaith networks. Donors and religious leaders must create opportunities for young people to lead while fostering intergenerational dialogue that bridges divides instead of deepening them.
Technology-driven initiatives provide another avenue. Young people are already shaping online conversations on religion, identity, and justice. Empowering them to use these tools for FoRB advocacy can counter harmful narratives and expand inclusive dialogue.
To find out more, download the full policy brief here.
The publication draws on insights from the Reimagining the Role of Religion in Building Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies workshop held in Nairobi in November 2024. At this event, academics, policymakers, practitioners, and JISRA partners explored how youth are redefining FoRB and shared strategies for strengthening their role in peacebuilding. The brief was developed in collaboration with Mensen met een Missie, the Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, and the Technical University of Mombasa.
