For more than three decades, the youth in Malawi have been marginalised, in actions that strengthen the climate agenda. Despite the growing awareness of the need for intergenerational equity, being a young environmental defender, especially from a marginalised background, has proven to be challenging. My personal experience is a brief snapshot of the realities of a young environmental defender, seeking to identify barriers and protection gaps in the existing frameworks. And the opportunities that exist within rapid response mechanisms, in providing immediate support to young activists.