In the context of the Chilean military dictatorship (1973-1990), in 1982, at the age of 20, Jorge was unemployed and selling Berliner doughnuts outside a polyclinic in the city of Talca, in Chile's seventh region.

This is where his journey with the YCW began.

It was through Belgian deacon Guido Gossens and his partner Luz María Troncoso that he was invited to join the Young Christian Workers movement. A few life stories and being valued as a young worker were enough to spark his commitment. He started bringing together young people from the neighborhood, some who were working and others who were unemployed, forming a core group of initiates who, after carrying out various actions, were able to participate as activists in different meetings and enlarged gatherings, which in turn formed new bases that strengthened the national movement.

As part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the YCW in Laeken, Belgium, we had the great pleasure of listening to inspiring testimonies from young leaders who are keeping the movement's legacy alive today. Their speeches highlighted how their involvement in the YCW is transforming their personal lives while enabling them to take concrete action to change society.

These voices represent thousands of young people around the world who, through their local actions, are fueling an international movement for transformation, dignity, and justice.

“Unfortunately, even in the 21st century, there is still a lot of inequality. I won't name the company, but in 2023, before finishing my degree, I worked in a company that did not hire women with children, as they said the only priority had to be the company. The few of us who managed to get in couldn't get emergency leave. I'm a single mother and it got complicated when they asked me to stay late. I think that many women even have to omit mentioning that they have a child if they want to get a job and to be able to raise their children.

I didn't stay very long in that company. Thank God I got a better offer. In the workplace, women are seen as the weaker sex, but I think we are becoming more empowered, we are fighting to earn respect and jobs to bring up our children with a lot of effort and sacrifice. I am raising a boy who, when he becomes a man, will be able to give women the place they deserve. We are on an equal footing; we may not have the same physical strength, but we have the courage and the desire to be a game changer.” - Leyla, 32 years old