Meet a member: Andi Rabiaj, Executive Director, Youth Voice Network of Organisations

What do you work on?

At the Youth Voice Network of Organizations, we have dedicated the past five years to engaging men and boys through gender-transformative approaches (GTA). Our mission is to challenge harmful gender norms and foster a culture where men actively support feminist values and women’s rights. Drawing from the collective expertise and resources of MenEngage Europe network in particular, we continuously adapt our strategies to reflect the needs of the youth we work with.

What does using a gender-transformative approach mean for you?

For me, gender-transformative approaches mean challenging and changing harmful gender norms to create a more just and equal world for everyone, starting from within ourselves and our communities.

What are some programs that Youth Voice is working on for gender equality by engaging men and boys?

One of our flagship programs is the “Men and Boys Who Inspire” forum, which has, for the past four years, showcased young men as allies in the fight for gender equality. But our work extends far beyond this initiative. In our daily efforts, we focus on integrating gender equality into various aspects of youth engagement, education, and community action.

For instance, we collaborate with schools and youth centres to conduct workshops that raise awareness about toxic masculinity and its impacts. These workshops encourage young people to analyse societal expectations and critically explore healthier models of masculinity. We also facilitate peer-education programs where trained young men lead discussions on gender equality, mental health, and non-violent communication with their peers, spreading the message in a relatable and impactful way.

Another significant part of our work involves organising community outreach campaigns that highlight the importance of men’s roles in preventing gender-based violence. We actively partner with local institutions, civil society, and even law enforcement to promote men’s responsibility in creating safer, more equitable communities. Through these campaigns, we aim to spark broader societal shifts by engaging families, educators, and community leaders in these conversations.

Additionally, our mentorship program pairs young boys with role models who embody the values of empathy, respect, and equality. These mentors help guide the youth on their personal and professional development journeys, ensuring they grow into men who are conscious of their roles as advocates for women’s rights.

In recent years, we have also focused on working with marginalised communities, particularly Roma and Egyptian youth, where gender inequality often intersects with other forms of discrimination. By addressing these overlapping issues, we provide more inclusive, tailored support that empowers all young people to actively participate in building a fairer society.

Through all these initiatives, our ultimate goal is to foster a generation of young men who are not just passive bystanders but active agents of change, capable of influencing their peers, families, and communities towards a more gender-equal world.

How did you get involved in this work?

I have always seen my role as a young man to be very proactive about the feminist agenda and human rights because I grew up witnessing gender inequalities in my community. This motivated me to advocate for change both in my personal and political spaces. My engagement with organisations like the United Nations Population Fund and MenEngage Europe deepened my understanding and commitment to these causes. Through these platforms, I found ways to influence positive change and work towards achieving gender equality.

What keeps you motivated in this work?

What keeps me going is the incredible impact I see when men and boys start understanding and embracing gender equality. Something is compelling about watching people grow and change—especially when it challenges long-held beliefs. It’s not always easy to work, but those moments when I see young men standing up for women’s rights, challenging toxic masculinity, or even just reflecting on their behaviour, that’s what keeps me charged.

You see, change happens through these small, personal shifts. It gives me hope when someone tells me that our initiatives made them rethink how they treat women or raise their sons. We are planting seeds of transformation that can ripple out into entire communities. Seeing men and boys actively take responsibility for building a fairer world gives me a deep sense of fulfilment.

It’s not just about advocating for gender equality in theory but witnessing it in real life. That’s what makes this work feel so deeply rewarding.

Is there a part of the MenEngage Core Principles that resonates with you?

The principle that resonates most with me is: 

‘We believe in the capability of men and boys to support gender, social, and climate justice actively.’ 

This belief forms the cornerstone of my work because it aligns with my belief that meaningful change happens when men and boys reflect on and transform their behaviour — and that change is possible!

I am committed to helping men and boys recognize their potential as allies in the journey for equality and justice across various spheres of life.