Introduction to Youth Empowerment and Action for Change (YEAC)
Youth Empowerment and Action for Change (YEAC) is a non-profit and non-governmental Pakistani organization situated in Balochistan, Pakistan, established with a fervent vision and mission to advocate for the rights of youth and young girls, women, transgender individuals and other marginalized groups. Founded and led by a dedicated group of young girls, YEAC is committed to fostering a society where every individual, irrespective of gender, experiences empowerment and enjoys their inherent rights with dignity, equality, and freedom from violence and injustice.
Since its inception in May 2016, YEAC has been at the forefront of driving change and prosperity in marginalized communities, particularly focusing on children, women, and youth. Initially, YEAC started as an informal voluntary group but has since evolved into a formally registered entity under the Pakistan Society Act 1860, reflecting its growing influence and commitment to its cause.
YEAC endeavors to address sexual and gender-based violence and discrimination, early and forced child marriage, sexual and reproductive health and human rights of children, women, youth, and transgender individuals, as well as climate change, gender equality, education and peace. This is achieved through capacity building, social mobilization, awareness campaigns, activism, peer to peer education, advocacy and lobbying across Balochistan. The organization boasts a dedicated theatre team proficient in effectively conveying key messages to communities, promoting awareness, motivation, and fostering tolerance. The organization also has a safe platform called ‘Girls Reflect Circle,’ where married and unmarried adolescent girls gather to interact and learn about the demerits of child marriage, their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and human rights, family planning, contraceptives, and their different methods/usage to avoid unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, they gain access to information about free government SRH and family planning services and resources. The GRC is led by a group called ‘Girls Not Brides,’ which also mobilizes communities and indirectly supports girls at risk of or affected by child marriage, sexual and gender-based violence.
YEAC is very strict and precise in recording all its financial matters according to the rules laid down by the Accountant General of Pakistan. Financial matters are handled and utilized with complete wisdom, responsibility, and transparency to maintain the trust of its donors and partners. YEAC employs a double-entry system for its financial management, and its accounts undergo annual audits by external auditors.
Driven by its unwavering dedication to social change and justice, YEAC continues to make strides in empowering and advocating for the rights of children, women, youth, and transgender individuals, contributing to the realization of its vision of a society built on principles of equality, respect, and dignity for all.
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Institutional Capacity of YEAC:
YEAC, boasts a robust institutional capacity with a dedicated team of 7 professionals, including 3 managers overseeing various departments, YEAC ensures effective program implementation and financial management. The Chief Executive Officer leads the organization, supported by managers handling departmental issues, program implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Financial matters are meticulously handled, employing a double-entry system and undergoing annual external audits for transparency and accountability. Additionally, YEAC leverages its theatre performance team comprising 9 experienced members to drive social mobilization and awareness campaigns. The Girls Reflect Circle (GRC) serves as a cornerstone of YEAC’s efforts, providing a safe platform for adolescent girls to gather, learn, and access crucial information on various topics, contributing significantly to the organization’s mission of empowerment and advocacy. Operating from a fully equipped office in Quetta, YEAC is committed to advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, contributing to societal transformation and empowerment.
