This paper provides Plan International’s position on the right to participate in public life, as well as analysis of: the legal and political framework; the impact of social and gender norms on participation; and specific issues in relation to political empowerment and active citizenship. This paper supports 100 Million Reasons, Plan International’s 2017-2022 Global Strategy, in which supporting girls, boys and youth as active drivers of change is a main priority. It upholds our work in relation to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals – in particular Goals 5, 10 and 16. A number of high-level recommendations are included to guide advocacy.