"Jutomue Doetein: Championing Youth Advocacy and Empowerment"

 

"Jutomue Doetein: Championing Youth Advocacy and Empowerment"

Jutomue Doetein grew up in Gbarnga, a community marked by high rates of children’s rights violations. Young girls were frequently subjected to sexual violence, and many children were forced into street vending during school hours, robbing them of education and opportunities. Witnessing these injustices fired Jutomue’s passion to protect the rights of children and empower young people to thrive.

In 2014, he joined the Liberian Children’s Parliament in Bong County, supported by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, as well as UNICEF. He led advocacy campaigns using Liberia's 2011 Children’s Law and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to educate communities, schools, and churches about children’s rights. Through these efforts, rates of sexual violence decreased, and awareness about the importance of education improved among parents. In 2017, his dedication was recognized when he was elected Speaker of the Liberian Children’s Parliament (now Liberia National Children’s Representative Forum), representing children and youth at the national level for two years.

Currently, Jutomue is an advocate for human rights and international development and a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow. He is deeply committed to promoting the rights of women, girls, and vulnerable populations. As the founder and Executive Director of Youth ARISE 4 Development (YA4D), a youth-led organization focused on empowering young people and women through advocacy, leadership, and community development, Jutomue oversees strategic leadership, program development, partnership building, and operational compliance.

Additionally, as Liberia’s Family Planning Youth Representative, he works closely with the Ministry of Health and partners like USAID, Breakthrough Action, and UNFPA to ensure young people are involved in policy discussions and have access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. His advocacy stems from personal experiences. Raised in extreme poverty, Jutomue faced limited access to healthcare and education, which instilled in him a deep empathy for others in similar circumstances. This background motivated him to focus on reducing teenage pregnancy, improving access to SRH services, and advocating for policies that protect the rights of young people.

One of Jutomue’s most impactful initiatives is the Youth 4 Youth Advocacy Cohort training program. This program emerged from a three-year collaboration between Breakthrough ACTION and the Global Early Adolescent Study (GEAS) at Johns Hopkins University. GEAS research has shown that gender norms significantly affect adolescent health, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health. In response, Breakthrough ACTION and GEAS developed gender-transformative programs, inspiring the creation of the Youth 4 Youth Advocacy Cohort. This program equips young advocates with the tools to address these critical issues on a global scale.

The cohort's primary goal is to empower young leaders, aged 18-25, from six Sub-Saharan African countries to develop their own advocacy strategies. Out of more than 350 applications, 12 participants were selected from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. Jutomue, serving as the International Youth Consultant, brings extensive experience in youth advocacy, capacity building, and gender equality. Over three months, cohort members participated in six virtual training sessions on gender-transformative programming, social behavior change, communication, and SMART advocacy principles. In September 2024, ten participants convened in Monrovia, Liberia, for an in-person training session, where they finalized their advocacy strategies and presented their pitches to local stakeholders.

The ultimate goal of the program is for participants to apply these strategies within their organizations, helping them achieve their advocacy goals and advance gender equality. This initiative empowers young advocates to drive meaningful changes within their communities, promoting gender-equitable health outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Locally, the Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) reports that approximately 31% of girls aged 15–19 are pregnant or have given birth, often without access to adequate healthcare or information. Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal mortality among adolescents. Rape and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV) are rampant, with many perpetrators going unpunished. Moreover, many children, particularly girls, are forced out of school due to financial constraints, early marriages, or societal norms. Globally, young people face mental health challenges, economic uncertainties, and the effects of climate-related disasters, while unequal access to technology hinders education and employment opportunities.

Jutomue addresses these challenges through targeted programs and partnerships. As Liberia’s Family Planning Youth Representative, he works with Breakthrough Action, USAID, and UNFPA to provide young people with access to contraceptives and accurate SRH information. His organization, YA4D, organizes community outreach and school campaigns to reduce teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortion rates while advocating for stronger legal enforcement against perpetrators of GBV. Through mentorship programs, YA4D supports vulnerable youth to remain in school and develop leadership skills.

Collaboration is central to Jutomue’s work. Partnerships with organizations like PMNCH, UNFPA, and USAID provide technical and financial support, while engagement with government entities ensures alignment with national policies. A successful example is his collaboration with PMNCH on the “What Young People Want” Campaign in Monrovia. This initiative gathered insights from over 4,000 youth, highlighting education, quality healthcare, and empowerment opportunities as top priorities. The data collected directly informed advocacy efforts for youth-centered policies and programs.

Balancing personal and professional life is an ongoing challenge for Jutomue. To maintain his emotional resilience, he dedicates weekdays to professional responsibilities while reserving weekends for self-care. He engages in activities like bicycle riding and reflective practices to recharge. Delegating tasks within YA4D enables him to focus on strategic leadership without becoming overwhelmed.

Passion, vision, and innovation are the pillars of Jutomue’s advocacy work. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the real challenges youth face and crafting evidence-based solutions. Staying informed and building strong networks are key to sustaining impactful advocacy. He encourages parents, educators, and community members to actively support youth by ensuring access to education, promoting responsible family planning, and fostering safe environments.

The 1.8 billion youth population globally represents the future stewards of society, holding the potential to drive transformative change across all sectors. By investing in youth through education, healthcare, and leadership opportunities, societies can empower the next generation to solve pressing global challenges. Jutomue’s commitment to youth advocacy demonstrates that empowering young people today is an investment in a brighter, more equitable future for all. The time to act is now, for their development defines our collective future.