“Hum na karbe baal bibaha, na ta hoye jiwan tabaha” (“We won’t accept child marriage, or life will be destroyed”), the powerful slogan echoed through the hall as youth from across Nepal came together for the SHIFT Co-creation Workshop, held from July 9 to 11 in Kathmandu. Organized by Save the Children Nepal, in partnership with Vision Three Sixty, the three-day workshop marked the first phase of the SHIFT campaign cycle, laying the groundwork for youth-led campaigns set to be implemented in the coming months.

SHIFT is a global campaign accelerator that supports young people in leading advocacy efforts on issues that directly affect their communities. Unlike traditional training formats, SHIFT places youth at the center of the process. They lead the conversations, set campaign priorities, and design strategies, while facilitators play a supportive and guiding role.

This year, three youth groups were selected through a national application process: Youth for Change from Bardibas, Spinal Injury Union from Surkhet, and Unity for Change from Kathmandu. Each group came into the workshop with a strong focus shaped by their lived realities. 

Youth for Change is addressing child marriage by raising awareness around sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in marginalized communities. 

The Spinal Injury Union is working to promote accessibility and challenge disability-related stigma, particularly in Karnali Province, utilizing wheelchair basketball as a key campaign element. 

Unity for Change is advocating for inclusive mental health care, especially for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) individuals, by engaging healthcare providers in gender-affirming practices.

Throughout the workshop, participants worked intensively to analyze root causes, map out systems of influence, identify stakeholders, and develop action plans. Sessions were designed to be interactive and iterative, with each group presenting their ideas, receiving feedback, and refining their approaches. Collaboration and peer learning were central to the process, allowing groups to learn not only from facilitators but also from each other’s experiences and perspectives.

One of the most defining aspects of the workshop was its youth-led nature. The ideas, strategies, and decisions were driven entirely by the young participants, who took ownership of every stage, from problem identification to campaign design. The atmosphere was one of shared commitment, creativity, and leadership.

With the first phase now complete, the selected groups will begin rolling out their campaigns in their respective communities, with implementation continuing through December 2025. The SHIFT program will provide ongoing mentorship and technical support throughout the campaign cycle.

As the workshop concluded, it was clear that this was more than just a planning session. It was a space where youth were heard, trusted, and empowered to lead—not someday, but today.