Linda’s journey—from the YESS (Youth Exchange South to South) programme to representing the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) at major global events like the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) and the UN Summit of the Future—illustrates how young women can turn local impact into global advocacy.
In January 2020, Linda’s journey began in Rwanda as one of the first YESS participants from Ghana. Little did she know that this experience would set the stage for future opportunities.
The YESS programme introduced her to a network of young women just like her—eager to learn, share, and create change. The leadership skills she developed, coupled with personal development training and activism, laid a foundation that would support her through every challenge to come.
The YESS Programme, a transformative WAGGGS initiative, connects young women across the Global South, empowering them with skills and advocacy experience to step into global roles and drive meaningful change. For Linda and so many others, this journey has confirmed one truth: when young women rise, we all rise.
Then, the world changed. The global pandemic hit, and Linda’s field activities came to a grinding halt. But where many might have seen an end, she found a new beginning. Through digital platforms, Linda and her peers at WAGGGS pivoted, using the Surf Smart initiative to stay connected and continue their work. This experience taught her adaptability—a skill that would prove crucial as she transitioned from local initiatives to global stages.
By March 2023, Linda found herself in a place she never dreamed she’d be—the halls of the United Nations in New York, representing over 10 million girls from 153 countries as a Global Advocacy Champion for WAGGGS.
Standing under the bright lights, surrounded by decision-makers and policy-shapers, she realised the full extent of her journey. This was the culmination of years of hard work, mentorship, and growth, and it was time for her voice—and the voices of millions of young women—to be heard. Linda had the extraordinary opportunity to speak during the UN Secretary-General’s Townhall Meeting, where she presented WAGGGS’ survey results and calls to action directly to António Guterres. It was a defining moment, one that reaffirmed the importance of youth representation in decision-making spaces. In that room, Linda wasn’t just a young woman from Ghana—she was the voice of millions. The YESS programme was a key milestone in Linda's path, providing her with indispensable leadership skills and a collaborative network. This experience empowered her to confidently voice her advocacy on global platforms, enhancing her presence at major international events.
If CSW67 was about amplifying the voices of girls and young women, the UN Summit of the Future was about shaping the future. Alongside WAGGGS’ World Board Chair, Candela, Linda represented WAGGGS at one of the most significant events of her career.
The summit focused on some of the world’s most pressing issues—climate action, gender equality, and sustainable development—and once again, Linda was there, pushing for real, lasting change.
A standout moment was Linda’s closing remarks at the Unlock Financing Youth-led Dialogue, where she emphasized the importance of investing in young leaders today.
Through events like the Girls Activation with Malala and UN Women’s Beijing +30 discussions, she demonstrated the tangible power of united youth advocacy.
One of the personal highlights for Linda at the summit was her visit to the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the UN. There, she met with Mr. Felix Nyarku, the Head of Chancery, whose commitment to supporting WAGGGS’ mission inspired Linda even more.
Meeting Mr. Felix Nyarku moment wasn’t just a connection between two Ghanaians—it was a powerful symbol of the bridge between local advocacy and global representation.
For Linda, it was a full-circle moment, from her grassroots beginnings in Ghana to standing as a global advocate at the United Nations. As Linda reflects on her journey, one thing is clear: young women are not just participants in global advocacy—they are the future leaders who will shape it. From her first days with YESS to standing before the world at the UN, Linda’s story is a testament to the ripple effect of youth leadership.
WAGGGS’ programmes are deliberately designed to turn local changemakers into global advocates, creating a chain reaction of change that spreads across communities, countries, and continents. The structured yet flexible design of these programmes ensures that young women like Linda are equipped to not only represent their communities but to influence global policies that will shape the future.
As Linda looks ahead, she’s filled with excitement—not just for herself, but for the countless young women who are stepping into leadership roles worldwide.
The future is bright, and Linda’s journey is just one example of how young women are transforming the world. Now, the question is: what will you do to create your own ripple?