GYTIS 2026 — Ghana–Yorkshire Trade & Investment Summit  |  11th–12th September 2026  |  University of Bradford  |  #GYTIS2026
EM3RGE

Empowering. Transforming. Reshaping.

EM3RGE is dedicated to empowering, transforming and reshaping the mindsets of boys and young men, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them become responsible and principled men who can contribute positively to society.

Youth Mentorship Empowerment
EM3RGE youth empowerment project
ABOUT EM3RGE

Creating space for young men to emerge.

EM3RGE serves as a dynamic platform where boys and young men can engage, learn, reflect and grow in a safe and supportive environment.

The project particularly seeks to support male youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who may be more exposed to higher levels of crime and poorer quality of life.

EM3RGE brings together participants and community resource personnel including mentors, educators and local leaders.

Through guided discussions and interactive activities, participants explore critical themes including identity, purpose, boy empowerment and mental health.

Young men participating in EM3RGE

Every young boy possesses boundless potential waiting to be unlocked.

The numbers behind EM3RGE.

Every number represents people reached, conversations created, relationships built and opportunities opened.

250+

Young Men Engaged

Young men engaged through EM3RGE activities, conversations and community experiences.

12

Community Sessions

Sessions creating opportunities for dialogue, reflection, learning and connection.

18

Mentors & Contributors

Mentors and contributors bringing experience, guidance and different perspectives.

8

Partner Organisations

Organisations contributing to a stronger network of support and opportunity.

EM3RGE community engagement
THE CHALLENGE

Changing the conversation around masculinity.

Boys and young men are growing up within complex social environments where identity, expectations, peer pressure, relationships and ideas about masculinity can have a profound influence on their lives.

For young people experiencing disadvantage, these pressures can be compounded by wider social and economic challenges.

EM3RGE creates opportunities to challenge harmful social norms and encourage young men to think critically about identity, behaviour, responsibility, emotional intelligence and their relationships with others.

Positive change begins with meaningful conversations. EM3RGE creates the space for those conversations to happen.

A safe space for real conversations.

EM3RGE brings young people and community resource personnel together through guided conversations, interactive activities and continued support.

01

Safe Spaces

Creating environments where boys and young men can participate, speak openly and engage without fear of judgement.

02

Guided Dialogue

Exploring identity, purpose, masculinity, mental health, responsibility and positive choices.

03

Mentorship

Connecting participants with mentors, educators and community contributors who can provide guidance and perspective.

04

Continued Support

Supporting continued dialogue through mentoring, volunteering, referral pathways and signposting.

WHAT WE EXPLORE

Conversations that matter.

EM3RGE provides opportunities to explore the issues that influence how boys and young men understand themselves, their relationships and their place in society.

Identity Purpose Mental Health Positive Masculinity Gender Equality Social Justice Inclusion Emotional Intelligence

Every young boy has potential.

The belief of EM3RGE is that every young boy possesses boundless potential waiting to be unlocked.

Education, mentorship and peer support groups stand as the cornerstone of this journey to unlocking potential.

EM3RGE youth empowerment

From conversation to change.

01

Redefining masculinity to stop Gender Based Violence (GBV).

02

Inspiring exceptional role models, ambassadors and advocates who promote gender equality, gender equity, social justice and inclusion.

03

Providing mentorship to facilitate continued dialogue and guidance while ultimately raising future mentors.

04

Partnering with voluntary-sector, grassroots, service-provider and statutory organisations to create a world where all genders can thrive.

05

Challenging societal norms and cultures while promoting emotional intelligence and aligned interests.

06

Organising workshops, seminars, webinars, conferences and summits designed to share good practices, foster knowledge exchange and create safe spaces.

07

Influencing positive long-term behavioural and societal changes.

Turning ideas into action.

01

Tackling Social Norms

Creating opportunities to question, understand and challenge social norms that can negatively influence young people and wider communities.

02

Referral & Signposting

Helping participants identify appropriate services, organisations and support pathways when additional assistance is needed.

03

Volunteering & Mentorship

Creating opportunities for young people and community contributors to participate, support others and develop meaningful mentoring relationships.

See the work. Experience EM3RGE.

Go beyond the description and experience moments from EM3RGE through real project footage.

EM3RGE 2025 — Empowering and Reshaping the Mindsets of the Male Youth
EM3RGE

Empowering & Reshaping the Mindsets of the Male Youth

Explore the conversations, experiences and perspectives behind EM3RGE and its work to support boys and young men.

Watch on YouTube
EM3RGE Event Highlights
PROJECT MOMENTS

From dialogue to community action.

EM3RGE creates opportunities for young people, mentors, educators and community leaders to connect around issues that matter.

Watch Event Highlights
THE BIGGER PICTURE

Building a generation of responsible, principled men.

EM3RGE is about more than a single workshop or conversation. It is about creating the conditions in which boys and young men can develop confidence, emotional intelligence, responsibility and a stronger sense of purpose.

Through education, mentorship, peer support, partnerships and continued dialogue, EM3RGE seeks to contribute to positive behavioural and societal change.

GET INVOLVED

Help create better pathways for young men.

Whether through mentorship, partnership, volunteering, community engagement or support, there are opportunities to contribute to EM3RGE.