If not you, then who will initiate change? One Young World is working around the clock to answer such pressing questions and inspire and propel women to make a difference. While the work is far from over, the youth leadership think tank has received support from influential female thought leaders such as the Duchess of Sussex and Queen Rania of Jordan.
The global scope of women’s empowerment is experiencing a significant boost thanks to the tireless efforts of changemakers like Ella Robertson McKay. As the managing director of One Young World, she’s dedicated her career to amplifying the voices of young leaders, with a particular focus on encouraging women to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
One Young World has rapidly grown into a preeminent global forum for up-and-coming trailblazers. The organization’s annual summit brings together thousands from over 190 countries, providing them with a platform to address pressing international issues and connect with like-minded individuals.
Robertson McKay’s role at One Young World has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s impact on women’s empowerment. Her passion for creating opportunities for women to be heard has led to numerous initiatives and partnerships that have transformed lives and communities.
Amplifying Voices: The Power of Recognition
Ella Robertson McKay emphasizes the transformative power of recognition for budding activists. She states, “These are life-changing moments for people. It’s the first time they’re being recognized by an international audience in their young lives.” This recognition serves as a catalyst, inspiring women to continue their work and reach even greater heights.
One Young World doesn’t just focus on emerging leaders, however. Ella Robertson McKay points out the organization’s commitment to providing a platform for seasoned activists as well. She recalls a powerful panel from a recent summit featuring prominent Iranian and Afghan women’s rights advocates including journalist Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Hasina Safi, the former acting minister of women affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
“They got a standing ovation and were in tears because being able to bring their issues to a young generation of change-makers who are actually able to then make a difference was hugely impactful for them,” Robertson McKay shares.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of One Young World’s work echoes through its ambassadors. Participants return to their communities energized and equipped with new skills, connections, and resources to drive change. Amanda Bartley, a Canadian delegate to the 2018 One Young World Summit in The Hague, described the experience as transformative.
“One Young World is where you find your intellectual kin,” Bartley said in One Young World’s 2023 impact report. “Thousands of people from around the world gathering to address the most pressing human rights and social justice challenges of our time. It’s a catalyst for our futures, a place to meet new friends and coconspirators in this fight for a better world.”
Bartley’s journey exemplifies the lasting impact of the One Young World experience. Following her participation, she’s taken on roles in various organizations, including serving as co-chair of the National Black Professionals Network at KPMG Canada and as a governor of the University of Toronto.
Selva Montealegre Mendoza is another ambassador whose devotion to increasing gender equality led her to the organization. She attended the summit in 2018.
“One Young World is a constant reminder that young leaders will drive the change in the future; it is a source of inspiration and action,” Montealegre Mendoza said. “Today, we must not just celebrate young people creating change, but also empower them with tools for this change in the future. And I believe One Young World is key to this process.”
Montealegre Mendoza worked in the first gender unit of the Veracruz Office for Economic Development and continues to bolster women in the workplace in her role as the people continuity director at AB InBev. In addition to her gender equality work, she founded Monti, which crafts educational toys for children with disabilities.
Creating Pathways for Women in Leadership
Ella Robertson McKay’s work through One Young World has created numerous pathways for women to step into leadership roles. The organization’s programs and initiatives provide mentorship opportunities, skill-building workshops, and access to networks that can propel their careers and activism forward.
These efforts have resulted in a growing cadre of women pacesetters making significant impacts in various fields. From politics and business to social entrepreneurship and grassroots activism, One Young World alumni are driving positive change on local and global scales.
Under Robertson McKay’s leadership, One Young World has strongly emphasized addressing intersectionality within women’s empowerment efforts. The organization recognizes that women face unique challenges based on factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.
This intersectional approach is evident in the diverse range of speakers and delegates at One Young World events. By bringing together women from various backgrounds and experiences, the organization fosters a rich dialogue and encourages collaborative problem-solving that takes into account the complex realities faced by women around the world.
The Road Ahead? Continuing the Fight for Equality
Ella Robertson McKay and the One Young World community recognize that there’s still much work to be done. The organization continues to evolve its programs and initiatives to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the fight for gender equality.
Robertson McKay’s vision for the future includes expanding One Young World’s reach, particularly to those from underrepresented communities and regions. By continuing to provide a platform for these voices, One Young World aims to accelerate the pace of positive change and create a more equitable world for all.
As Ella Robertson McKay and One Young World forge ahead in their mission to uplift women, they serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals and organizations can have in shaping a better future. Through their continued efforts to amplify women’s voices and create leadership opportunities, they’re helping to build a world where gender equality isn’t just an aspiration, but a reality.
