Young people with disabilities take the lead in Liliane Fonds Youth Panel
“Have you heard the saying, ‘Until the lion learns how to speak, the hunt will always glorify the hunter’?”
With this question, Jimmy Mulei, a trainee at Liliane Fonds, opened a conversation with the new Youth Panel at Liliane Fonds. “If you remain quiet, they will know nothing about you,” responded one of them.
This exchange reflects a reality many young people with disabilities face. They understand better than anyone what they experience, the barriers, the stigma and what meaningful inclusion should look like. Yet their perspectives are still too often missing from the conversations that shape policies and programmes. Decisions are frequently made without their direct input, while those with lived experience are not always given the space or opportunity to speak.
During the same discussion, another participant highlighted that even within systems designed to promote inclusion, their voices are not always at the centre. Without their perspectives, it becomes difficult to fully understand their needs or create lasting change.
A platform for lived experience
To address this gap, Liliane Fonds initiated a Youth Panel: a group of young people with disabilities who actively contribute to Liliane Fonds’ work.
The Youth Panel creates a space for members to share their experiences, reflect on programmes and influence decision-making.
From participation to influence
The panel is more than a platform for participation. It is a step towards stronger representation and more inclusive programming. By involving young people structurally, Liliane Fonds aims to better align its work with the realities of those it supports.
Meet our Youth Panel
What is it? Who is involved? What do they do? And how are they engaged?
How it works in practice
A conversation between two Youth Panel members and Liliane Fonds’ Advocacy and SRHR-advisor about working together, learning from each other and making their voices heard.
