CROSSROADS: The Power Journeys of MENA Adolescents and Youth

During its 2022-24 strategy period, Save the Children collaborated with adolescents and youth aged 10-24 across the MENA region to conduct this participatory Adolescent and Youth Gender and Power Analysis. This initiative set out to examine the barriers and facilitators of meaningful inclusion and active engagement for adolescent girls and boys, and young women and men who are most impacted by inequality, discrimination and exclusion, seeking to better understand their perceptions and experiences of power.

The study report puts forth what adolescents and youth across the MENA region have told us, delving into the pivotal moments when they navigate complex intersections of age, gender and displacement. The study celebrates the self-determination and resilience of adolescents and youth in the MENA region—their “power within”—with which they shape their futures according to their aspirations. At the same time, our examination of the experiences of young people voices their perspectives on systemic power imbalances and inequalities that limit their rights and opportunities.

“Crossroads” captures the transitions, decisions and struggles of adolescents and youth in gaining or experiencing power amidst intersecting inequalities. We are deeply grateful for the young participants who shared their “Power Journeys,” offering a dynamic and personal exploration of agency, influence and power within the unique socio-political and cultural landscape of the MENA region. We are also thankful for our partners who supported this study, aligning their valuable work with adolescents and youth to our shared mission: Humanity and Pait (Iraq); Liwan Youth Space, Nashmeyat Sahab Organization, Women Programmes Center of Al Baqa’a Camp, and Yarob Development Association (Jordan), USPEaK (Lebanon), and Sheba Youth Foundation for Development (Yemen).

This publication includes the regional study report along with country-level summaries for Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon—all available in both English and Arabic. Annexed to the report are an album of artwork and messages created by adolescents and youth during the interactive workshops for research, providing further insights and recommendations for action (Annex A), and a detailed guide to the interactive workshop methodology used in the research (Annex B). We hope this inspires readers for collective action and change with and for adolescents and youth, mindful of the cyclical interplay between change and critical reflection on the road to power, equality and social justice for all.