Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with 60% of its population under the age of 25. This demographic reality presents both an unprecedented opportunity and an urgent responsibility. AFREHO’s Youth & Gender Inclusion program recognizes that lasting environmental health transformation cannot be achieved without the full participation of young people and the equitable inclusion of women and girls in all aspects of environmental health policy, practice, and governance.

Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of environmental health challenges—they are primarily responsible for water collection, spend more time in smoke-filled indoor environments, and face unique vulnerabilities during disasters and displacement. Yet they remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces where environmental health priorities are set. This program deliberately creates pathways for women’s leadership and ensures that environmental health interventions respond to their specific needs and amplify their voices.

For youth, we offer mentorship, skills development, and meaningful opportunities to contribute to environmental health solutions. Through university chapters, internship programs, and youth-led research initiatives, we channel the energy and creativity of young Africans toward solving the environmental health challenges their generation will inherit. We believe that when young people are equipped with knowledge, skills, and platforms, they become powerful agents of change within their communities and beyond.

Key Objectives

• Increase meaningful participation of women and youth in environmental health decision-making

• Develop leadership capacities among young environmental health professionals

• Ensure environmental health programs address gender-specific needs and vulnerabilities

• Create safe, accessible spaces for young people to engage in environmental action

• Document and share best practices in gender-responsive environmental health programming

• Build a network of young environmental health champions across Africa

Key Activities

Target Audience

• Young professionals and students in environmental health and related fields

• Women environmental health practitioners at all career stages

• Girls and young women in communities affected by environmental health challenges

• Youth-led organizations and networks

• Universities and training institutions

• Gender-focused development organizations

Expected Outcomes

• 1,000+ young professionals trained and mentored within 5 years

• AFREHO University Chapters established in 30+ African universities

• 500+ women participating in leadership development programs

• Documented improvements in gender-responsiveness of partner programs

• Youth-led research contributing to the evidence base

• Strong, visible network of young environmental health leaders influencing policy and practice

Related SDGs