Championing the Next Gen’s Leadership

By Elect Her

London was grey, cold and overcast but the Barbican in the heart of London beckoned and it was full of promise… It did not disappoint - we were part of the Next Gen Conference #NextGen24, an event hosted by My Life My Say (MLMS) who truly give an X about politics!

The conference brought together young people, advocates, and changemakers from diverse backgrounds to discuss, envision, and strategize for a future where the voices of the next generation drive societal progress.

For us, at Elect Her, it was a vital opportunity to amplify our mission and connect with young leaders. As organisations we have a shared commitment to inclusive democracy - and the Next Gen Conference presented a stage for discussing the hurdles young people face in engaging with politics, particularly young women.

The day began with a keynote address by MLMS founder Mete Coban MBE, who underscored the urgent need to transform youth engagement into meaningful action. He highlighted the importance of breaking down systemic barriers, such as lack of representation, which often alienate young people from traditional political spaces.

Workshops, panel discussions, and breakout sessions punctuated the day, each tackling a pressing theme: climate action, mental health, and political representation. We also had a stall that was busy from the get go at 9am 😅meeting a brilliant range of individuals throughout the day.

The overarching theme of the Next Gen Conference was the power of young people to reshape the future. Helping them shape their thinking we had organised a conversation between Sharon Gaffka and former Home Secretary Amber Rudd - we’ve worked with both Sharon and Amber and it is so important to have their positive, inspiring and real experiences encouraging more women to get involved.

Throughout the day, the team was struck by the passion, resilience, and creativity of the attendees. The conference reaffirmed that while barriers to women’s political participation remain formidable, the appetite for change among the next generation is undeniable.

Above all the Next Gen Conference was a reminder of the power of collaboration. By partnering with organizations like My Life My Say, we can amplify our impact and reach more young women eager to lead.