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At Irish Girl Guides, we encourage our girls to engage in youth advocacy and make their voices heard. That’s why we are thrilled to share the story of one of our Lily Guides from Kildare!
At just 12 years old, Sophie participated in the Youth Advisory Group for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth’s (DCEDIY) Action Plan 2024-2028. She is already making a significant impact on youth empowerment. Her experience has been nothing short of inspiring, and she is sharing it with us!
From passion to youth advocacy
From her strong interest in politics and young people’s rights, Sophie really wanted to join the Youth Advisory Group (Húb na nÓg) for the DCEDIY Action Plan 2024-2028.
“I am very interested in my rights, politics, and understanding what is happening for young people,” she explained.
By participating in this group, Sophie aimed to ensure that the voices of young people were represented and that important issues affecting her peers were addressed.
Building connections and youth empowerment skills
Through this experience, Sophie worked alongside young people from different organisations and attended meetings at Wynn’s Hotel in Dublin, as well as participating in eight virtual sessions. She forged lasting friendships and developed valuable leadership skills.
“I have made great friends and learned so much about politics. Being part of Húb na nÓg helped me grow and discover a great love for understanding society and how it affects young people,” she said.
Transforming the youth action plan
Sophie collaborated with the other Youth Advisory Group members to make the Action Plan accessible and engaging for young people. One of her proudest achievements was transforming a 64-page, black-and-white document into a vibrant, four-page summary.
“I had an amazing time sharing my ideas with the team, as I always wanted everything to be bright and easy to read. We also worked with a graphic designer who brought our ideas to life,” Sophie shared.
Inspiring the young leaders in Ireland
Sophie believes her involvement in the Action Plan can inspire other young girls in politics to explore leadership and advocacy roles. Recognizing the gender imbalance in politics, she hopes her experience encourages more girls to make their voices heard.
“As a young girl being part of this, I think it would inspire young people and young women to become involved in society. It’s great fun and a fantastic learning experience,” Sophie emphasized.
Empowering girls through leadership and advocacy
Sophie is incredibly grateful to the Irish Girl Guides for providing her with the opportunity to contribute to the DCEDIY Action Plan 2024-2028. Her journey is a testament to the power of young voices and the importance of encouraging girls to step into leadership roles.
Sophie also shared her advice for other girls interested in leadership: “Don’t be afraid to apply for opportunities like this. You never know where they might lead you!”
Sophie’s story is a powerful reminder that when girls are empowered to lead, they can drive meaningful change. Her journey demonstrates that youth advocacy is not just about speaking out but taking action, building connections, and inspiring future Leaders.
By encouraging young girls to engage in advocacy, we help pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. We can’t wait to see what Sophie accomplishes next!