Paheja Siririka
The chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC) Sharonice Busch has said there is a dire need for the youth to be represented fairly to encourage active participation.She added that for the youth to engage in governance and participate in political and decision-making processes, it largely depends on the political, socioeconomic and cultural contexts where social norms in many parts of the world result in multiple forms of discrimination against young women.
“We must represent the youth fairly; otherwise, we risk losing legitimacy with our constituents. Fair representation helps create a cohesive youth council that promotes unity among young people,” she pressed while addressing delegates at The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Youth Workshop in Durban, South Africa.
Busch said: “Meaningful youth participation and leadership require that young people and young people-led organisations have opportunities and capacities, and that they benefit from an enabling environment and relevant evidence-based programmes and policies at all levels”.
The APRM is committed to youth mainstreaming and providing space for youth to share best practices in the advancement of democracy and good governance. African youth are key stakeholders in the APRM philosophy, methodology andAdditionally, African youth have proved to be solution-oriented and resilient when faced with challenges. Busch said because Africa is a largely young continent, the state of governance and democracy can be seen to be largely determined by young people, while also disproportionately affecting them.
“Throughout the world, hundreds of thousands of young people are spearheading positive social change – leading community initiatives, operating small businesses and re-shaping political processes. It is time that Africa did the same, and it is in National Youth Councils that we can make that mark,” she stated.
Busch said, “In Namibia, it is estimated that about 65% of the electorate in 2024 will be under the age of 45; signalling that young people’s civic participation will largely determine the democratic outcomes of our country. I cannot imagine this being different for other African countries”.
She said there is no other choice but for African states and the world at large to empower young people through national youth councils to play an active role in the development of good governance and democracy.
“The youth have experience, knowledge and ideas that are unique to their situations and contexts, enabling them to offer key insights and perspectives on development that adults cannot. In many communities, youth make up the majority of the population – and as a result, youth voices can be crucial expressions of overall community needs,” said Busch.
She stated that regardless of their current status, young people are significant agents in the community and national development.
– psiririka@nepc.com.na