Young and Powerful with CHOICE for Youth and Sexuality

Hosted by CHOICE for Youth and Sexuality

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Covering all topics to do with sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people, Young and Powerful brings youth voices to your ears. We talk to youth experts on reproductive rights, the power of young people, social justice and more!

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31 recent

May 22, 202650 min

Say Yes to Youth Week: The Road from Passion to Action

Send us Fan MailIn this special episode, guest host Judy Amina from SRHR Alliance Kenya is joined by two youth advocates making waves in the SRHR space: Sarah Meijer, Youth Representative for the CSW, and Ruth Namuchi, Youth advocate from SRHR Alliance Kenya and contributor to the UPR. Together, Sarah and Ruth open up about their journeys navigating two influential global policy processes: the CSW (Commission on the Status of Women) and the UPR (Universal Periodic Review). Sharing early experiences that ignited their passion, frustrating realities of SRHR advocacy, and honest tips to overcome self-doubt, our guests offer heartfelt, practical advice for any young person considering an advocacy journey of their own.This episode is brought to you as part of Say Yes to Youth, a collaboration between CHOICE and SRHR Alliance Kenya. For the past two years, Say Yes to Youth has gathered young people from the AU and EU to foster dialogue and deepen their knowledge of the policy spaces that influence their SRHR🙌Acronyms used:SRHR = Sexual and Reproductive Health and RightsCSW = Commission on the Status of WomenUPR = Universal Periodic ReviewCHOICE's info:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedIn WebsiteYouTubeTikTokPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm

January 15, 202653 min

Young and Powerful & Looking Back, Moving Forward with Poppy Stanbury

Send us Fan MailIn this very special episode, CHOICE is joined by Poppy Stanbury, a human rights defender, gender expert, and until very recently, our incredible Advocacy & Communications Coordinator. Over the past six years, Poppy has shaped CHOICE’s global advocacy and visibility. Since 2021, she has also been the voice behind our Young & Powerful podcast, interviewing youth activists and experts from around the world. This time, the roles are reversed: Shivatmicaa sits down with Poppy to reflect on her journey at CHOICE, the lessons she’s learned, and her insights on Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation, especially within international advocacy spaces. Join us as Poppy shares honest reflections, favourite moments, and the impact of young people leading change.

November 13, 2025Episode 71 hr 4 min

Young and Powerful & Protecting Queer Rights in Kenya

Send us Fan MailIn this episode CHOICE is joined by Sheila Lulu, human rights lawyer and advocate of the High Court of Kenya, currently serving as the Program Officer – Knowledge and Partnerships at the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC). She works to advance equality and non-discrimination for LGBTIQ+ persons, refugees, and asylum seekers in Kenya and the region, and was recently awarded as the Kenya Model United Nations (KMUN) Person of the Year 2025! In this episode Poppy and Lulu discuss queer rights in Kenya, the history of LGBTQI+ rights in Kenya and her important work in protecting queer youth. Acronyms used:SRHR = Sexual and Reproductive Health and RightsCSE = Comprehensive Sexuality EducationMIYP = Meaningful and Inclusive Youth ParticipationNational Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission's info:WebsiteTikTokFacebookCHOICE's info:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedIn WebsiteYouTubeTikTokPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm

October 15, 2025Episode 61 hr 0 min

Young and Powerful & Being a Global Voice for Youth

Send us Fan MailIn this episode CHOICE is joined by Hanna Mulugeta, Youth Champion at the Development Expertise Center in Addis Ababa! We discuss her experience working on human rights for youth in Ethiopia, what her biggest successes are campaigning for youth on a global scale, and how Hanna's journey has shaped who she is now! We have showcased 12 inspiring and innovative Stories of Change from across Asia and Africa, capturing the incredible work and impact of our young partners in mainstreaming MIYP. Read more about Hanna's story and other amazing young people on our website!Acronyms used:SRHR = Sexual and Reproductive Health and RightsCSE = Comprehensive Sexuality EducationMIYP = Meaningful and Inclusive Youth ParticipationDevelopment Expertise Centre's info:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeCHOICE's info:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedIn WebsiteYouTubeTikTokPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm

August 12, 2025Episode 51 hr 14 min

Young and Powerful & Celebrating International Youth Day!

Send us Fan MailAre you ready to celebrate International Youth Day?! In this episode CHOICE is joined by Peter Derrek Hof, Ambassador for Women's Rights & Gender Equality, and Aydin Karadag, Youth Ambassador for SRHR for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs! We have an intergenerational dialogue discussing the importance of youth engagement, how we can continue to push the SRHR agenda, and keeping youth at the forefront! Acronyms used:SRHR = Sexual and Reproductive Health and RightsCSE = Comprehensive Sexuality EducationMIYP = Meaningful and Inclusive Youth ParticipationAydin's info:InstagramCHOICE's info:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedIn WebsiteYouTubeTikTokPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm

July 4, 2025Episode 21 hr 20 min

SEMA x Young and Powerful Joint Episode!

Send us Fan MailConnector Week: Where Youth Power Meets PurposeIn this very special JOINT episode CHOICE is joined by Beatrice Okech; Host of the Power to You(th) SEMA podcast! With guests Habib, Gemma and Hiwot, we discuss and celebrate the unique energy of CHOICE's Connector Week. Through the voices of young advocates, we aim to showcase how youth-only spaces foster leadership, cross-cultural exchange, and lasting solidarity. By reflecting on key moments, learnings, and strategies, this episode seeks to inspire other youth-led organizations and allies to prioritize Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation (MIYP) and to support sustainable, youth-driven movements! We hope this conversation not only amplifies youth voices but also contributes to a broader recognition of the power and potential of youth leadership in the face of global challenges.Acronyms used:SRHR = Sexual and Reproductive Health and RightsCSE = Comprehensive Sexuality EducationMIYP = Meaningful and Inclusive Youth ParticipationSGBV = Sexual and Gender Based ViolencePower to You(th) info:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeCHOICE's info:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedIn WebsiteYouTubeTikTokPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm

May 7, 2025Episode 11 hr 11 min

Young and Powerful & Getting to Know the Clitoris

Send us Fan MailThe Clitoris - who even is she?? Is she a myth that cannot be found? (side-eye) Are you ready to get litty for the clitty?In this episode CHOICE is joined by Bibiana Jordan (Sissi), a Sex & Couple Therapist in training, and Clitoral researcher! Sissi & Poppy (CHOICE host) dive into the importance of communication around sex and pleasure, debunk myths around the clitoris, and give her some much needed attention!!We also want to highlight that this episode is sponsored by Newside Erotic Shop Amsterdam! Put what you learn into practice and head over to Newside to purchase your next sex toy! You can find more information on their website.Acronyms used:SRHR = Sexual and Reproductive Health and RightsCSE = Comprehensive Sexuality EducationMIYP = Meaningful and Inclusive Youth ParticipationSGBV = Sexual and Gender Based ViolenceSissi's info:WebsiteCHOICE's info:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedIn WebsiteYouTubeTikTokPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm

April 3, 2025Episode 642 min

Young & Powerful Special Edition: Politiek neutrale seksuele voorlichting, kan dat eigenlijk wel?

Send us Fan MailWat betekent het eigenlijk om "politiek neutrale" seksuele voorlichting te geven? In deze aflevering duiken we in de discussie over hoe seksualiteit op scholen wordt onderwezen en of politiek neutrale voorlichting uberhaupt mogelijk is. We spreken met twee jongeren over hun ervaringen: wat hebben ze geleerd, wat misten ze, en wat hadden ze liever anders gezien? Daarnaast gaan we in gesprek met Belle Barbé specialist in seksuele opvoeding, over het belang van open gesprekken over seksualiteit en hoe scholen dit beter kunnen aanpakken.Waarom is seksuele voorlichting nog steeds zo’n gevoelig onderwerp? Hoe beïnvloeden politiek en maatschappelijke overtuigingen wat jongeren leren? En wat is er nodig om iedereen – ongeacht achtergrond of identiteit – goed voor te bereiden op gezonde relaties en seksuele keuzes?

December 5, 2024Episode 559 min

Activist Special! What's so special about the Special Procedures?

Send us Fan MailAre you a young person interested in human rights mechanisms? Do you want to use the UN to address human rights issues in your work? Or simply curious about how to apply your research skills to human rights reporting? Then look no further activist angels! In this Advocacy Special episode CHOICE sits down with Fabiana Leibl (ISHR) to spill the tea on all things Special Procedures and how youth activists get involved! We talk about what the Special Procedures are, how the reporting system works, and why it's important to de-mystify the UN and make it work for youth!Acronyms used:ICPD+30 = 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and DevelopmentSRHR = Sexual and Reproductive Health and RightsCSE = Comprehensive Sexuality EducationMIYP = Meaningful and Inclusive Youth ParticipationSGBV = Sexual and Gender Based ViolenceFind ISHR on Instagram or Twitter! For more information on their academy and training look here! CHOICE's info:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedIn WebsiteYouTubeTikTokPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm

October 30, 2024Episode 449 min

Activist Special! Been there, done it; ins & outs of the Summit (of the Future)

Send us Fan MailHeard about the Summit of the Future but don't know where to begin? Or are you a young activist who wants to know what's next for this intergovernmental UN initiative? Then look no further activist angels! In this Advocacy Special episode CHOICE sits down with Ishaan Shah (Stolen Dreams) to spill the tea on all things Summit of the Future and where can youth activists go from here! We talk about what the Summit is, how it came about, and why it's important to de-mystify the UN and make it work for youth!Acronyms used:ICPD+30 = 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and DevelopmentSRHR = Sexual and Reproductive Health and RightsCSE = Comprehensive Sexuality EducationMIYP = Meaningful and Inclusive Youth ParticipationSGBV = Sexual and Gender Based ViolenceFind Ishaan on Twitter or on Instagram!CHOICE's info:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedIn WebsiteYouTubeTikTokPodcast theme music by Transistor.fm