‘I AM IMPORTANT’: Reflections from young people in Kenya and Uganda on the value of participation for children affected by sexual abuse and exploitation

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child gives children a fundamental right to participate in all decisions that affect them. ‘Participation’ is now a common ‘good practice’ principle when supporting, and working with, children and young people. However, practitioners are often unsure of how to facilitate the safe and meaningful collective participation of children and young people with lived experience of sexual abuse and exploitation (bringing them together in groups to inform and influence decision-making or actions that affect them as a specific group). Research indicates that there are myriad potential benefits when young people engage in safe and meaningful participatory processes. This Practice Perspective shares details of a participatory project we initiated with young people who had lived experience of child sexual abuse and exploitation and who had previously engaged in participatory initiatives. It shares their perspectives on the potential benefits of participatory practice for young people and the wider community. 19 young people, aged 17–25, in Kenya and Uganda took part in a series of workshops culminating in the development of a podcast to share their views on the topic. • Young survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation in Kenya and Uganda took part in workshops to explore the benefits of participation. • They created content for a podcast to share key messages and recommendations. • They identified a number of protective benefits associated with participatory approaches. • The project highlighted the importance of participatory initiatives equipping young people for their futures.