Youth constitute a large and rapidly growing proportion of the population in Southern Africa. They are a creative force, a dynamic source of innovations, and have undoubtedly, throughout history, participated, contributed, and even catalyzed important changes in political systems, power-sharing dynamics and economic opportunities. Youth have the power to transform communities and the region. Investments targeted at youth, who represent Southern Africa’s greatest asset are key in determining the development trajectory of the region, a trajectory which is yet to realize poverty eradication and regional integration. In addition, young women’s participation in all sectors of the economies including; politics, governance and access to decision-making can serve as a key indicator of gender equality and respect of human rights in democratic societies. These are huge resources, which if adequately incentivized and empowered, for ensuring meaningful participation, representation and observance of human rights on the continent – resources that the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF) envisages to capitalize, empower and position.