In an age where gender equality is more openly championed than ever before, the lived reality for many remains one of exclusion, especially for women and girls in underserved or politically and economically fragile regions, including parts of Africa, who continue to face layered barriers to inclusion across social, political, and economic life. Africa is growing fast – economically, demographically, and in global influence, but much like the rest of the world, this dynamism has not fully translated into equal opportunity. Today, over 60% of the continent’s population is under 25 yet youth-led initiatives receive less than 1% of global development financing. And while women make up more than half the population, they are consistently left behind or side-lined in policy, leadership, and resource allocation. But even history has its rebels and at CFYE, we collaborate closely with our Implementing Partners (IPs) to challenge the status quo from the inside out.