PAI Welcomes the Inaugural Cohort of the Freedom Starts With Her Youth Institute for Reproductive Rights

The Institute is part of PAI’s Freedom Starts With Her campaign that energizes U.S. grassroots support for global reproductive health and rights

This week, PAI proudly welcomed the inaugural cohort of the Freedom Starts With Her Youth Institute for Reproductive Rights, bringing together 17 college students and recent graduates from across the United States who are passionate about advancing reproductive freedom and building a more just future.

The seven-day Institute is more than a leadership program, it’s an investment in the next generation of advocates. Through workshops, policy discussions, and hands-on advocacy training, Fellows will explore the history of sexual and reproductive health and rights, the role of the United States in global health and development, and the policy priorities shaping access to health and human rights today. They’ll also gain practical skills in coalition building, strategic communications, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy while designing advocacy campaigns they can implement in their own communities.

“At a time when reproductive rights are under attack, it is more important than ever to invest in the next generation of advocates who will defend human rights,” said Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, President & CEO of PAI. “Right now, we are witnessing a rollback of freedoms that is unprecedented in scale and damage. The only way to right these wrongs is by working hand-in-hand with young people who want a different future and who want fundamental freedoms respected. For more than 60 years, PAI has partnered with advocates in over 30 countries to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights. Today, PAI is excited to make that same investment in the next generation of advocates here in the United States.”

Throughout the Institute, Fellows will learn directly from PAI staff and partners from Congress, the United Nations, civil society organizations, communications firms, and youth leaders from around the world. By connecting with advocates from countries including Zambia and Uganda, participants will see firsthand how local leadership, evidence-based advocacy, and collective action have advanced reproductive rights across diverse political and cultural contexts.

“Young people have always been at the forefront of movements for change,” said Samantha Lemiux, Associate at PAI and lead of the Institute. “The Freedom Starts With Her Youth Institute is about sharing knowledge, practical skills, and accountability tools and approaches with youth so they can turn their passion into effective advocacy. We hope Fellows leave knowing not only that their voices matter, but that they have the tools to influence policy, build coalitions, and create lasting change.”

The Freedom Starts With Her Youth Institute was shaped by conversations with college students, veteran advocates, and longtime supporters of PAI across the United States. Although they came from different generations and experiences, they shared a common belief: the future of reproductive freedom depends on investing in the next generation of advocates. 

College students told us they wanted more than inspiration. They wanted practical skills, meaningful mentorship, and real opportunities to turn their passion into action. They also wanted to learn from the advocacy strategies and experiences of PAI and our partners around the world, adapting those lessons and tool to advance reproductive rights and freedom in the United States and globally. 

“As a young advocate myself, I know how difficult it can be to figure out where to begin,” said Ruby Siegal, a rising sophomore at Haverford College and a 2026 Youth Institute Fellow. “What makes this Institute so special is that it gives us practical tools, connects us with experienced advocates, and reminds us that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves.” 

We look forward to sharing more from the Institute in the days ahead as our Fellows build relationships, strengthen their advocacy skills, and prepare to advance a future grounded in reproductive freedom, gender equality, human rights, and justice.

The inaugural 2026 Fellows of the Freedom Starts With Her Youth Institute for Reproductive Rights include

Institutions leading workshops, learning exchanges, and interactive discussions include: PAI, Center for Reproductive Health Education (Zambia), Copper Rose Zambia, Fenton Communications, FP2030, George Washington University, GenACT Africa Coalition (Tanzania) Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Samasha (Uganda), The Vavengers (United Kingdom), and UNFPA, the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health. 

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Freedom Starts With Her is PAI’s national campaign to inspire, equip, and mobilize the next generation of advocates for global sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through leadership development, advocacy training, and community engagement, the campaign is building a stronger U.S. constituency for reproductive freedom, human rights, gender equality, and global health. www.freedomstartswithher.org

About PAI: For more than 60 years, PAI has championed sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States and alongside organizations in over 30 countries. www.pai.org