At Naguru Teenage Centre (@NaguruC), we believe that true progress begins with accountability. Building safer, more equitable communities requires that young people not only understand their rights but also have the power and confidence to demand change. Social accountability provides the tools and platform to do just that, helping youth to engage, question, and advocate for a world free from gender-based violence (GBV).
What is Social Accountability?
Social accountability is about citizens holding leaders, institutions, and service providers responsible for delivering quality services and respecting rights. When applied to issues like GBV, it empowers young people to speak out against harmful practices, monitor service delivery, and ensure that protective measures are effectively implemented in schools, communities, and health facilities.
Youth Engagement as a Catalyst for Change
At Naguru, youth are central to this approach. Through interactive programs, mentorship, and community dialogue, young people learn to voice concerns, propose solutions, and actively participate in shaping policies and services. By involving them in decision-making, social accountability not only amplifies their perspectives but also strengthens community responses to GBV and other challenges affecting adolescents.
Highlights from the #SpotlightInitiative
Recent activities under the #SpotlightInitiative showcased how social accountability works in practice. Young participants engaged in consultations, advocacy exercises, and reporting sessions that highlighted gaps, challenges, and successes in preventing GBV. These sessions also created opportunities for peer learning, mentorship, and capacity building, equipping youth with the skills to continue advocating for change within their communities.
Building a Safer Future
Empowering young people through social accountability is more than an initiative,it is a movement toward justice, equality, and respect. By providing the knowledge, skills, and platforms to challenge harmful practices, we help nurture a generation of leaders committed to creating safer spaces for all adolescents.
Moving Forward
The work at Naguru Teenage Centre reminds us that accountability is not just a principle,it is action in motion. Through programs like the #SpotlightInitiative, we are enabling young people to transform their communities, reduce GBV, and build a culture of empowerment and respect. Together, accountability and youth engagement are shaping a brighter, safer future for all.https://x.com/NaguruC/status/1975484458116784535
