On May 28, 2025, the Engaging Girls and Young Women with Disabilities Across Southern Spaces (ENGAGE) project held the final meeting of its Youth Leadership Circle (YLC). This gathering brought together young leaders from India, Vietnam, and South Africa to share artistic representations of women and girls with disabilities in their communities.
In their drawings, each leader wore traditional attire, symbolizing the rich cultural diversity of the Global South. Their artwork emphasized not only the uniqueness of each individual’s experience with disability but also the unity of women and girls with disabilities in shaping their futures.
Youth leaders from India, Vietnam, and South Africa shared powerful artwork during the final ENGAGE Youth Leadership Circle meeting, expressing their experiences, leadership journeys, and hopes for inclusion. Their message: “We are unique but stand in unity.” (From left to right in the image above, the artworks are created by the India, South Africa, and Vietnam teams.)
A youth leader from India reflected,“There are different kinds of disabilities, and everybody can become a leader. There is potential for leadership in everyone. As leaders from different groups, communities, and states, we can come together. While we are different, we are also united.”
The Vietnam team illustrated their leadership journey – from experiences of exclusion to forming their own club, actively participating in their communities, and becoming powerful advocates for change.
In South Africa, the artwork demonstrated a strong message:”Do not discriminate against us because we are all the same.”
Their presentation addressed the challenges faced by people with disabilities and the need for greater understanding and inclusion. One participant shared,”We have a plan to make people understand us, and to help them learn to love and accept us more.”
This final YLC meeting was a meaningful conclusion to the ENGAGE project and an exciting step forward. We are thrilled to announce the continuation of this youth leadership work through a new research project: GlobalSouthConnect.
The energy, commitment, and creativity of these young leaders show that this is just the beginning of our leadership journey. We are so excited to see what comes next. We will continue!
A joyful moment from the final ENGAGE Youth Leadership Circle meeting, with participants from across the Global South signing “I love you” in sign language celebrating solidarity, inclusion, and transnational connection.