Nordic Youth Media Lab | Femina ry

Nordic Youth Media Lab

Critical Thinking & Digital Democracy for Nordic Youth

About the Initiative

The Nordic Youth Media Lab is a cross-Nordic initiative led by Femina ry (Finland), together with partners from Denmark, Sweden, and Estonia. The project empowers young people aged 16–30 to critically engage with media, fight misinformation, and co-create digital content reflecting diverse voices across the Nordic region.

“We want young people not just to consume media — but to create it, question it, and reshape it.” — Laura Kezhaeva, Project Lead, Femina ry

Vision

Empowered Youth

Develop leadership, teamwork, and digital media skills to build confidence and civic engagement.

Inclusive Media

Amplify underrepresented voices, promote equality, and create authentic, community-driven content.

Digital Democracy

Equip young people to critically analyze media messages and actively participate in shaping public discourse.

Cross-Nordic Collaboration

Build sustainable networks and partnerships across Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Estonia.

Goals

  • Train over 100 youth in media literacy, fact-checking, and ethical journalism
  • Engage 80 active creators in producing podcasts, videos, and campaigns on truth, democracy, and inclusion
  • Establish a Nordic Youth Media Network of 100+ members for long-term collaboration
  • Ensure sustainable and inclusive participation of marginalized groups, minorities, and youth with disabilities

Timeline

January 2026

Project officially starts and Youth Steering Group (YSG) formation.

March – July 2026

Online skills trainings and digital labs across partner countries; youth-led content creation.

August 2026

Nordic Media Festival in Helsinki: panels, exhibitions, and launch of Nordic Youth Media Manifesto.

September 2026 → onwards

Follow-up mentoring, online hub maintenance, and network sustainability activities.