Young People Re-defining the Future of Democratic Processes in Africa
BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION:
Africa is a continent of young people, with 75% of the population below the age of 35 and nearly 50% under the age of 19. Yet across Africa, instability, climate-related security, weak state capacity, the tenuous rule of law, amendment/removal of term limits, high inequality, illegitimate elections, inadequate judicial systems, and corruption continue to erode democracy. Moreover, lack of institutional capacity undermines youth engagement in African democracies — from low visibility of youth as voters, limited capacity for youth-led advocacy, cultural attitudes, underrepresentation/exclusion in decision-making, loss of trust in democracy, online disinformation and misinformation, intimidation of young human rights defenders and traditional social norms result to gender inequality, shrinking civic spaces, nepotism and tribalism, hence persistently hindering young people's participation, especially in leadership roles.
Youth engagement and empowerment, especially for our young women in Africa, through democratic processes is a vital step towards achieving a sustainable future. By empowering and including young people in decision-making processes at both the community and national levels, we can ensure that their voices and ideas are heard and that they have a say in shaping policies and initiatives related to sustainability and environmental protection. This inclusion can lead to greater investment in green skills development for youth and a greater commitment to creating a sustainable world for future generations in Africa. Furthermore, emphasizing and providing young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive sustainability initiatives can lead to long-term sustainable development and growth.
On the 11th of August 2023, The Youth Cafe, in partnership with Youth Democracy Cohort and the European Union, organized a webinar under the subject of ‘Young People re-defining the future of democratic processes in Africa.’ This 90-minute webinar explored how young people, especially young women, can take an active and meaningful role in shaping the democratic processes in Africa. This webinar was part of a broader project, “The Ignite African Youth Project” and was in line with the commemoration of International Youth Day 2023 under the theme ‘Green skills for youth towards a sustainable world’, highlighting the need for empowering youth with the skills necessary to drive sustainability initiatives at local and global levels.
Objectives
To promote increased youth engagement, particularly young women from Africa, in the democratic process by strengthening and enhancing their political and civil capacities.
Equipping the youth with information, the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to become catalysts for positive change in their communities and beyond.
Empowering young people to take an active, meaningful role in democratic processes through engagement and advocacy at all track levels.
Creating awareness among young people on their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to participate in democratic processes and on the menu of possible commitments.
Expected Outcomes:
Increased awareness of the importance of youth participation in the democratic process.
Identification of challenges and opportunities for youth engagement in democratic processes in African countries.
Highlighting best practices and examples of successful youth-led initiatives in the African democratic process.
Future collaborations between young people and stakeholders in the democratic processes.
Participants will have a deeper understanding of the barriers they may face and the tools and strategies available to overcome them.
Key topics
Understanding the Power of Youth Engagement: Analyzing the impact of youth involvement in politics and civil society on fostering inclusive and responsive democracies.
Overcoming Barriers to Participation: Identifying and addressing the challenges faced by young Africans, particularly young women, in accessing and engaging in political and civic processes.
Innovative ideas on how to re-imagine and redefine the future of democratic processes in Africa that are inclusive, fair, and transparent and amplify the voices of young Africans to drive meaningful conversations and influence policy outcomes.
Learning from Success Stories: Showcasing inspiring examples of young African leaders who have made a significant impact on their communities and countries through active engagement in politics and civil society.
Leave no African Youth Behind: Perspective, Adoption and Implementation of the Menu of Possible Commitments in Africa.
The webinar gathered over 150 participants from at least 11 African Countries via the Zoom platform and a higher number of viewers through live streaming on Facebook and YouTube.
The Webinar speakers included:
Daniel Orogo- Coordinator, Democracy Moves
Victoria Zillah -MCA, County Government of Kakamega
Vivian Nheya -Program Officer, GWEN TRUST
Mike Omaera- Partnership Manager- The Youth Cafe
Nzilani Muema -Advisory Board Member, The Youth Cafe
Opening Remarks
Nzilani Muema- Advisory Board member, The Youth Cafe
In her keynote address, Nzilani Muema, a Youth Cafe’s advisory board member, highlighted the pivotal role of youth engagement in shaping Africa's democratic processes. Acknowledging the substantial youth population in Africa, she emphasized their critical voices in shaping sustainability and environmental protection policies. She contended that young people were integral stakeholders in democratic processes, necessitating inclusivity and the removal of barriers hindering their participation. These barriers encompass limited access to information, age-related restrictions, and cultural biases.
Further, she highlighted the profound impact of democratic processes on young people's potential to forge a sustainable future for Africa. She advocated for the adoption and application of the "Menu of Possible Commitments," aimed at fostering democratic governance, human rights, and civic engagement. She stressed the collective responsibility of imparting essential knowledge and skills to the youth, enabling them to comprehend democratic processes, their rights, and their responsibilities as citizens.
Moreover, she advocated for the creation of platforms that facilitated dialogue between youth and policymakers, endorsing their political engagement as a means of ensuring effective participation. Summing up, she underscored the urgency of empowering young people to actively engage in democratic processes, asserting that their involvement was indispensable for the continent's sustainable development. She urged the establishment of an accommodating environment, especially for young women, where they could exercise their democratic rights and contribute to shaping Africa's future.
Discussion Topics.
1. Understanding the Power of Youth Engagement: Analyzing the impact of youth involvement in politics and civil society on fostering inclusive and responsive democracies.
By Daniel Orogo - Coordinator Democracy Moves.
Daniel commenced his presentation by addressing a significant trend that has been gaining momentum across Africa – concerted efforts by young people to participate in political and leadership spaces actively. He highlighted the emergence of various movements and initiatives, both at regional and continental levels, that aims to redefine the role of youth in governance and decision-making processes.
A pivotal point of discussion was the notable "Not Too Young to Run" bill passed in Nigeria in 2018. This legislative milestone marked a significant shift in the political landscape by lowering the age limits for political office from 35 to 30 years. The bill also aimed to remove certain criteria that hinder young people's participation in political leadership roles. Daniel emphasized the importance of such measures in creating a more inclusive political environment that empowers young voices.
He also touched on the challenges young people encounter when navigating the political arena. He identified barriers such as negative perceptions of politics associated with corruption and violence and the lack of mentorship for aspiring young leaders. He discussed the need to demystify politics, redefine leadership, and cultivate a sense of civic duty from an early age.
He advocated for comprehensive civic education, both in urban and rural areas, as a means to build a knowledgeable and empowered youth constituency. He further emphasized the role of technology in democratizing participation, allowing young people to amplify their voices through social media, mobile applications, and innovative platforms. However, he also pointed out the potential risks associated with technology, including misinformation and cybercrimes that could influence electoral outcomes. To tackle these challenges, he called for collaborative efforts between young people, electoral bodies, and the media to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive democratic process.
In his concluding remarks, Daniel highlighted the need for young people to maintain faith in democracy itself while scrutinizing those who seek to manipulate the system. He reiterated the importance of youths' active involvement in the political process, encouraging them to transcend geographical, social, and cultural boundaries to shape the future of Africa collectively.
2. Overcoming Barriers to Participation: Identifying and addressing the challenges faced by young Africans, particularly young women, in accessing and engaging in political and civic processes.
By Victoria Zillah- Member of the County Assembly(MCA) of Kakamega
Victoria acknowledged the significance of International Youth Day as a platform for self-improvement. She delved into the challenges that hindered youth participation, particularly young women, in the political arena. She highlighted the gender disparity in her region, Western Kenya, where female representation remained low despite a substantial population. She acknowledged that the political landscape presented considerable challenges and stated that it was important to recognize the difficulties faced when navigating the political space. She emphasized the need for intentionality and committed action, urging them to be deliberate in their efforts. She recounted her journey in 2017, where she had faced scepticism at every turn.
She recalled the instances where her marital status was questioned, explaining that if she claimed to be unmarried, she was deemed unprepared. Alternatively, if she stated that she was married, her origins were challenged. She highlighted the dynamic nature of the environment and the requirement to adapt. Drawing from personal experience, she shared the story of young women who had entered political spheres and were met with scepticism about their belongingness to the land based on their marital status. She stressed the importance of being adaptable in such circumstances.
Reflecting on her own journey, she recounted how she had engaged in a rigorous legal battle to secure her current position. She narrated her challenges with the party and the numerous court battles she endured, ultimately achieving her goal. She acknowledged that her journey had not been easy, and she acknowledged the numerous young individuals who had given up along the way. She suggested that if she had followed suit, she might not have been where she was today.
Drawing from the earlier discussion by Daniel, Victoria emphasized challenges such as structural barriers, financial constraints, and cultural norms. She noted that established leaders often acted as gatekeepers, limiting young individuals' access to political spaces. Additionally, patronage networks within politics posed a hurdle, with established figures maintaining an advantage.
Victoria pointed out the potential of technology, especially social media, in breaking down these barriers. She referenced the Sudanese revolution led by a 22-year-old woman who used social media to mobilize a movement. Policy reforms within political parties and legal frameworks were also cited as means to level the playing field and enable youth participation. Economic empowerment emerged as a significant strategy, with Victoria highlighting the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial skills and providing income-generating opportunities for young individuals. She stressed the role of education and awareness in countering patriarchal norms that restricted women's participation.
She underscored the importance of media in reshaping perceptions. She advocated for fair and equal media coverage of young women's efforts and visions, believing that such coverage could create a positive impact in building public support.
Transitioning to the discussion on the education system, she shared an interaction with a participant from Nigeria who had inquired about educational thresholds. While unsure about the thresholds in Nigeria, she provided insights into the Kenyan system, explaining that education was not an insurmountable barrier. She pointed out that individuals could pursue positions such as a member of the county assembly even while still in the education system. She viewed education as a platform rather than an obstacle, a space where individuals could gather support for their causes and creatively explore opportunities. She referenced instances where individuals without substantial resources had successfully been elected to positions of power, demonstrating that success was not solely determined by financial means.
Drawing inspiration from such success stories, she encouraged others not to abandon their goals. She expressed gratitude for the platform provided and concluded her remarks by sharing her final thoughts.
In conclusion, Victoria acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed optimism about the potential for change. She thanked the audience once more for the platform and believed that by addressing these issues, progress could be made toward a more inclusive political landscape.
Vivian Nheya- Programs Officer- GWEN TRUST
Drawing from the insights shared by various speakers, Vivian highlighted the importance of deliberately including young people in political and decision-making processes. Emphasising their value in shaping policies and governance, Vivian underlined the need for youth-led activism as a means to demand vital reforms in governance. Leveraging technology, she underscored the potential to remove geographical barriers, allowing young Africans to engage in a pan-African platform for advocacy and democratic participation.
The notion of crafting an inclusive democracy was brought to the forefront, with Vivian urging African nations to actively shape the democracy they desire, one that embraces diverse voices and perspectives. This could be achieved through fostering intergenerational dialogues that facilitate a healthy exchange of ideas and experiences. To illustrate her points, Vivian shared impactful examples of young African leaders who have become agents of change in their communities. Fadzai Mahere from Zimbabwe and Munnira Katongole from South Africa emerged as beacons of resilience, advocating for rights and justice despite challenges.
Turning to policies and initiatives, Vivian highlighted mechanisms that have amplified youth participation in politics. These ranged from Zimbabwe's quota system and the Kenya Youth Development policy to leadership fellowships like the Mandela Fellowship and the African Youth Charter. She then delved into the barriers young people, particularly young women, face when engaging in politics. Vivian underscored the importance of addressing these issues, outlining solutions such as amending constitutions and electoral laws, providing training and skills to the youth, and advocating for gender-sensitive political party laws and financial legislation that removes nomination fees.
Concluding the discussion, Vivian reflected on the qualities and skills that are essential for young Africans aspiring to become impactful leaders in political and civic spheres. She acknowledged the significance of striking a balance between experienced leaders and fresh perspectives. Collaboration, skills transfer, and the willingness of young people to learn were identified as crucial for achieving this balance. Vivian encapsulated the discussion as an inspiring call to action for young Africans to actively participate, shape, and influence the democratic future of the continent.
3. Leave no African Youth Behind: Perspective, Adoption, and Implementation of the Menu of Possible Commitments in Africa.
By Mike Omaera -The Youth Cafe’
Mike highlighted that 50% of the global population is under 30 years old, yet the majority of youth remain absent from decision-making platforms. He acknowledged that many young people are disillusioned with the state of democracy both in Africa and around the world. He emphasized that numerous groups of youth are excluded from meaningful civic engagement and participation due to various barriers.
To address these challenges, Mike proposed an inclusive and comprehensive approach that creates an environment where all segments of society, including diverse youth populations, have equal opportunities, access, and mechanisms to participate in democratic processes, decision-making, and community development. This approach recognizes marginalized the value of every individual's contribution, ensures representation from marginalized groups, and promotes active citizenship for societal betterment.
He then identified several groups of youth that are at risk of being left behind due to social, economic, cultural, and structural barriers and elaborated on the challenges faced by each group:
Rural Youth: Limited access to resources, education, and information; geographical isolation and underdeveloped infrastructure hinder engagement in civic activities.
Marginalised Ethnic and Indigenous Youth: Experience discrimination, exclusion, language barriers, and cultural differences.
Youth with Disabilities: Face physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers, along with inaccessible spaces and lack of accommodations.
Urban Slum Dwellers: Confront poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services.
Unemployed and Underemployed Youth: Lack of resources and time for civic activities due to economic insecurity.
Girls and Young Women: Gender inequalities, societal norms, and lack of education access limit their participation.
Migrant and Refugee Youth: Legal and social challenges, language barriers, and uncertainty impact their engagement.
Youth Living with HIV/AIDS: Stigma and discrimination hinder their inclusion in civic discussions.
Youth from Low-Income Backgrounds: Economic disparities limit engagement in resource-intensive civic activities.
Youth in Conflict-Affected Areas: Limited access to education and opportunities due to disruption.
Orphaned and Vulnerable Youth: Lack of necessary support systems for engagement.
LGBTQ+ Youth: Discrimination and violence deter engagement.
He emphasized the need for targeted efforts, policies, and initiatives to ensure the inclusion of these groups in civic engagement. He advocated for an inclusive approach that empowers all youth to participate in shaping their communities and societies. He discussed the importance of accessibility and participation, youth inclusion, comprehensive civic education, gender equality, multicultural engagement, collaborative decision-making, accountability, transparency, community engagement, mentorship, capacity building, empowerment through skills and resources, protection of activists, integration of traditional practices, data-driven engagement, continuous dialogue, and international collaboration.
Mike discussed the significance of the "Menu of Possible Commitments" in the context of youth engagement and democratic processes. He emphasised that adopting and implementing this menu would serve as a pivotal step toward promoting democratic governance, upholding human rights, and fostering civic engagement in Africa. He highlighted how this approach would empower young people to actively participate in shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives. He underscored that the menu's comprehensive framework could effectively guide governments, organizations, and stakeholders in aligning their efforts to create an inclusive and participatory democratic landscape. The discussion on the "Menu of Possible Commitments" emphasized its role as a practical tool for advancing democratic principles and ensuring that the voices of young individuals are heard and valued in the pursuit of sustainable development.
In conclusion, Mike stressed that an inclusive and comprehensive approach to civic engagement ensures that all voices and perspectives are heard and valued. This approach embraces diversity while fostering a shared commitment to democratic values, human rights, and social justice, ultimately empowering citizens to shape the present and future of their societies actively.
Lessons Learnt and Recommendations
These recommendations, drawn from the expertise of speakers, the perspectives of participants, and the collective commitment to fostering positive change, provide actionable steps to amplify youth engagement and reshape democratic processes across the African continent.
Youth Empowerment through Education: Advocate for comprehensive civic education within school curricula, addressing the roles, rights, and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. Encourage interactive educational programs that emphasize critical thinking, leadership skills, and ethical governance, nurturing informed and engaged young citizens.
Inclusivity and Gender Equality: Promote gender inclusivity in political parties, institutions, and decision-making processes to ensure that young women have equitable representation and opportunities. Create targeted initiatives that address cultural biases and stereotypes, challenging norms that hinder women's political participation.
Youth-Led Advocacy and Activism: Facilitate capacity-building programs for youth-led organizations, equipping them with skills in advocacy, policy analysis, and community mobilization. Foster collaboration among youth organizations to amplify their voices and advocate for democratic reforms at local, national, and continental levels.
Digital Engagement and Technology: Leverage technology and social media platforms to create spaces for informed discussions, enabling young Africans to express their perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations. Establish digital platforms for online civic education, enabling youth to access information about democratic processes and their rights.
Mentorship and Role Models: Cultivate mentorship programs that connect young leaders with experienced mentors, enabling knowledge sharing, skill development, and guidance in navigating political landscapes.
Showcase success stories of young African leaders who have overcome challenges, serving as role models to inspire and guide the next generation.
Policy Reforms and Commitments: Advocate for policy reforms prioritizing emphasizing youth voices, political participation, and freedom of expression in democratic processes.
Collaborate with governments, policymakers, and stakeholders to implement the Menu of Possible Commitments, ensuring young people's active involvement in shaping policies.
Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Collaborate with established democratic institutions to create mentorship programs, internships, and youth advisory councils, fostering youth engagement within governmental structures.
Encourage transparency and accountability in electoral processes, enhancing trust and participation among young voters.
Participatory Decision-Making: Promote participatory decision-making by including young people in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation processes.
Establish mechanisms for ongoing dialogues between youth and policymakers to bridge gaps and align democratic processes with youth aspirations.
Continued Research and Data Collection: Conduct in-depth research on youth engagement, political participation, and barriers faced, providing evidence-based insights to guide policy recommendations. Regularly collect data on youth perspectives, challenges, and aspirations to inform targeted interventions and improvements in democratic processes.
Global Solidarity and Partnerships: Foster international collaborations and partnerships to share best practices, experiences, and innovative strategies for empowering youth in democratic processes.
Engage with global initiatives that support youth leadership, activism, and democratic engagement, learning from diverse experiences around the world.
Closing Remarks
In conclusion, Nzilani, a Board Member at the Youth Cafe, extended her gratitude to the speakers, including Daniel, Vivian, Honorable Victoria, and Mike, for sharing remarkable insights throughout the dialogue. Addressing her fellow young individuals, she shared her perspective, stating:
She acknowledged the passion of numerous young people striving to make an impact, emphasising the importance of keeping sight of ambitions. She also highlighted the collective potential for effecting meaningful change in societies across Africa and beyond.
Concluding her address, she encouraged everyone to envision a prosperous future, emphasizing the significance of considering the upcoming generation and constructing a legacy that extends to children, grandchildren, and beyond.