This week we caught up with Youth Advisory Board (YAB) member Asha, who recently attended the End Violence Against Women (EVAW) conference as part of a panel of five participants. Asha tells us more…
“It was a privilege to attend the End Violence Against Women conference, which I found both inspiring and energising. I was surrounded by women from diverse backgrounds and sectors, each with the same shared goal of building a future rooted in safety, respect, and positive change for young people. It’s not every day that you get to meet people so dedicated to making a difference.
During the panel discussion, I spoke with other young women who worked with charities similar to ours, all sharing the same mission. These charities included Tender UK, Action Breaks Silence, and GirlGuiding. They were all incredibly passionate about creating a future where all young people are safe and free from violence and abuse.
We spoke about the impact of social media on our relationships and what a “safe internet” could and should look like. With social media shaping so much of our lives, especially for young people, these conversations felt urgent and essential. It’s clear that the online world needs to be a place where young people feel safe, respected, and empowered, not a breeding ground for harmful behaviour. The internet could and should be a place for genuine connection and support.
… “The woman who was leading the panel with us had such a relaxed and welcoming vibe, and there was no pressure to give “right” or “wrong” answers. Everyone in the room was respectful and quiet while we spoke, which made me feel confident and comfortable about the points I raised. I felt that my responses were important, and it seemed like everyone in the room understood that, too. I had so much fun, and Shelly, LMK Programme Manager, was at the event and supported me from start to finish. Having him there made me feel so much more confident in my comments and my knowledge as a young person. I couldn’t have done it without him.
Throughout the session, I couldn’t help but notice how few men were in the room. This concerned me, as I feel that more male representation would have a huge impact on issues such as this. We need more men actively engaged in these conversations because changing the culture of violence and harassment isn’t just a “women’s issue”, this is a societal issue that needs everyone involved and working towards a solution. It really made me think about the importance of having Arthur on the LMK Youth Advisory Board team, which reflects that, regardless of gender, we can all come together and make a change.
“We need more men actively engaged in these conversations because changing the culture of violence and harassment isn’t just a “women’s issue”, this is a societal issue that needs everyone involved and working towards a solution. It really made me think about the importance of having Arthur on the LMK Youth Advisory Board team, which reflects that, regardless of gender, we can all come together and make a change.”
Overall, the conference reminded me of the strength and resilience we have as a team at LMK. We’re committed, and we’re ready to push for the changes we believe in. This experience made me feel proud, not only of the work we’re doing but also of the movement we’re part of. While there’s so much work ahead, I can see the steps we’re taking and the momentum we’re building. The conversations we had at this conference – about change, respect, and togetherness – are the conversations that need to happen everywhere, every day.”
“This experience made me feel proud, not only of the work we’re doing but also of the movement we’re part of.”
Thanks to Asha for being a wonderful ambassador for LMK and sharing her reflections from the conference. Our Youth Advisory Board remains at the heart of our work, providing insight into our programmes and advocating for healthy relationships in their own lives.