Conclusion

The Youth LEADS listening sessions provided rich knowledge and insight that can help adults, youth-serving organizations, organizations focused on gender-based violence, and youth leaders to work together to prevent gender-based violence. Our findings and recommendations aim to provide useful information that can be used to address the core questions that served as the foundation of this project.

Gender-based violence takes place every day in every community. Highprofile cases have brought national attention to the issue; however, we must address gender-based violence on the local level and in our communities.

As we listened to participants, a clear picture emerged of the high levels of violence young people live with and the rigid gender norms that are still common today, which further perpetuate cycles of violence. Youth of color and other marginalized youth were acutely aware of the additional burden they carry because of how their race, level of ability, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity intersects with the violence in their lives. Ultimately, engagement with youth from diverse backgrounds is key to disrupting violence.

The Biden Foundation encourages youth-serving organizations and other stakeholders to consider the findings and recommendations outlined in this report when developing programming to prevent gender-based violence. Through Youth LEADS, we know that including youth voices is the key to achieving our goals of cultural and social change.