Pearl Lawrence’s Post

South Africa's youth account for 34.8% of the total population. They have the potential to shift the country's socio-economic direction if given the opportunity. According to Statistics South Africa's Q4 2023 Quarterly Labour Force Survey they are the most unemployed citizens at 59.4% for ages 15-24 and 39.0% for ages 25-34. Despite everything that South Africa's youth are going through, they are rising like eagles above the storms that South Africans face on a daily basis. "An Africa, whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children.” - Aspiration 6 of the AfricanUnion's Agenda 2063 Africa Month is celebrated in South Africa annually in May. Aspiration 6 should not be a lofty vision that is hidden away in documentation only to be awaken in 2063. One of the organisations that cultivates the leadership potential of the youth is ACTIVATE! Change Drivers. They have a network of over 5 000 young people who are making a positive impact in their individual areas of influence. I have been part of the network since 2013. I had the honour to co-managed the production of the Activator! Issue 2 - Activate's newspaper. https://lnkd.in/duh33uBr #AfricaMonth #May #youth #youthdevelopment #youthleadership #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #employment #community #communitydevelopment #Africa #SouthAfrica #AfricanUnion #Agenda2063

The Scottish Government's Government’s International Strategy which was published this week, includes its principles, underpinning approaches and thematic priorities for International Development. Its areas of focus to support Malawi and other partner countries are also outlined. With the enduring core aim of ‘partnership to address poverty reduction’ and embedding the Sustainable Development Goals in all of its work, the strategy document highlights the Scottish Government’s being guided by its International Development Principles.  The strategy states that there are three underpinning approaches to the Scottish Government’s International Development work: “alignment with our new Principles; taking a feminist approach and pursuing an equalising power agenda in our relationships with our partner countries and other Global South countries.” New inclusive education programmes will be developed with partner countries, for “the most marginalised, especially girls and learners with additional support needs.” Health programmes will be devised to build stronger health systems to help tackle non-communicable diseases. An Equalities Programme will be implemented, with Police Scotland’s peer police forces in Malawi and Zambia, as well as launching a new Women and Girls Fund, co-developed with women and girls, to advance women’s rights. The Strategy says that the Government will continue to promote and support Fair Trade and sets out its ongoing commitments on climate justice and loss and damage and intention to sustain its Humanitarian Emergency Fund, exploring “options for how it can deliver the greatest impact at a time of increasing humanitarian need.”  Read more https://lnkd.in/epWbJrTs #scotlandmalawi #smpnews #malawi

Africa is the youngest continent, with over 60% of its population under the age of 24. Recognizing this, the African Union launched the "Harnessing Demographic Dividends by Investing in Youth" initiative a few years ago. Around the same time, the global community declared "The Decade of African Youth." However, six years on, the anticipated dividends have yet to materialize. Instead, we witness an alarming trend—our youth are increasingly drawn into militarization, excluded from decision-making roles in politics, social, and economic spheres. It seems that the only time youth are deliberately engaged is during times of war, and unfortunately, wars are not in short supply. The situation in the East and Horn of Africa serves as a stark example, where poor governance and mounting youth frustration have fueled conflict. As we observe International Youth Day, our discussions must go beyond mere inclusion. It is paradoxical to talk about including a group that forms the majority. Instead, we should focus on empowering youth leadership and fostering platforms for intergenerational dialogue. How can we, as a continent and as a global community, harness the wisdom of our elders alongside the strength, innovation, ambition, and dreams of our youth? Let’s make this Youth Day a call to action—a commitment to creating a future where the youth are not just participants but leaders, driving Africa’s progress. Read more about Young People in Pre-Formal Peace Making https://lnkd.in/dKPHrHjh #Ceasfire4SudanNow #Sudan #SouthSudan #YPS #WPS #Mediation #Inclusion #NoToMilitirization #IGAD #AU #UN #PeaceAndSecurity #YouthPeaceandSecurity

In a world where the voices of youth often go unheard, the courage and determination of Kenya’s young people shine as a beacon of hope and resilience. These brave souls are not just fighting for their rights; they are paving the way for future generations, showing that chivalry is still alive in the hearts of those striving to create the Africa we want. Across the globe, youth face immense challenges—unemployment, lack of access to education, and systemic inequalities. Yet, amidst these struggles, the youth of Kenya stands tall, embodying the spirit of change and perseverance. They remind us that the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity is far from over. As we celebrate 25 years of Youth Alive! Kenya, we honor their relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow. These young warriors are not just dreamers; they are doers, carving out a future where every young person can thrive and succeed. Their bravery inspires us all to take action, support, and uplift the next generation. Chivalry is not dead; it thrives in the actions of these young heroes. Let us rally behind them, amplify their voices, and join them in their quest for a brighter, more just world. How will you support the youth in their fight for a better future? #YouthEmpowerment #TheAfricaWeWant #YouthForChange #MagicalKenya #BraveYouth

Exciting news! Today marks a milestone as the first-ever UN Civil Society Conference takes place in Africa United Nations Office at Nairobi! 🌍 As young leaders from underrepresented/marginalised regions, this is a momentous occasion for us. Finally, we have the opportunity to participate in person, contribute, and be part of shaping the future at the #summitofthefuture. But let's address a critical point without sugarcoating. While the agenda is packed with promise, it's discouraging that inclusive processes for meaningful youth engagement with a focus on the marginalised young leaders weren't prioritized by the United Nations. That's why I'm stepping up to join the #WeCommit Campaign (for the first using video). I'm challenging the UN to recognize that youth activists and human rights defenders, like many in civil society, aren't always affiliated with registered and established NGOs. I'm surprised the registration process was not youth-friendly plus most of the young leaders from refugee communities, and ethnic minorities applications were rejected, like a local person who wanted to use his/her own money to attend this conference was rejected. These engagements shouldn't hinge on formal NGO ties. Check out my video challenge below and join me in advocating for a more inclusive future! Let's make our voices heard. 📢 #2024UNCSC tagging a few experts to help push this message & challenge these barriers, Jerusha, Terry, Omondi, Hawa, Nudhara, Christine, Matthias, Gina, Kristin, Yusuf, Jaco, Maureen, Maria, Simón, Dr. Mustafa, Nadia, Milena, Neha, Dr. Jacqueline,

In our pursuit of creating a lasting impact, we've witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by countless courageous women and girls. Stripped of income sources due to displacement, they rely solely on sporadic humanitarian aid and often fall victim to circumstances. Their journey, marked by survival and resilience, demands more than mere interventions, it requires sustainable development solutions that empower and uplift. Recognizing this urgent need for change, our Rural Urban Rightful (RU) project in 2020 embarked on an assessment journey all round IDP camps in Benue, Nigeria. The findings were sobering: sexual exploitation, abuse, inequality, human trafficking, and lack of access to essential resources plagued countless women and girls in IDP camps in Benue region. Determined to break this cycle of oppression, In 2023 we launched the Equal Access Develop project. This innovative initiative aims to tackle the identified challenges and further empower at least 300 women and girls living in IDP camps in Benue with essential skills, enhancing their productivity, employability, and earnings potential to be independent and resilient. Currently, we are providing 300 stakeholders with tailored skill sets and we're not just offering them a lifeline, we're laying the foundation for sustainable development capable of transforming their communities. Equal-Access-Develop •Sensitization •Reporting •Empowerment Women and Girls rights to equal opportunities to thrive!

🌱 ProtectDefenders.eu celebrates International #Youth Day! This day was created to bring Youth issues to the global attention and celebrate the potential of Youth to drive positive change and achieve the sustainable development goals set in the UN 2030 Agenda. In many parts of the world, Youth, that comprise half of the global population, are at the centre of human rights and sustainability activism. We highlight the urgency to include this vast youth population in political dialogues and decision-making processes around crucial matters, including climate change, peace, democracy, and human rights. ProtectDefenders.eu recognises the immense value of Youth in today’s evolving world and positions Youth activists and Youth civil society organisations as priority categories within its Mechanism. 💡Read on our latest report how we supported the Ugandan human rights, student-led organisation, Students for Global-Democracy Uganda, through training and financial support. https://lnkd.in/dA9XFP_V #YouthDay #Sustainability #HumanRights

🤔 If you have been following us during the last weeks, we're almost sure this question came to your mind: "Why is such a project out there?" Well, here is why! ℹ️ Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 60% of the entire continent aged below 25. ℹ️ Also, the population of young people aged 15-24 in Africa is projected to reach 500 million by 2080. 💪 This is the time to empower young people to advocate for their concerns at various levels effectively and to support an institutional approach to more youth-centered decision-making. 🤲 By creating an environment of empowered and self-aware young people and supporting a smooth transition toward youth-centeredness for institutions, we are co-creating an inclusive and youth-responsive society in Africa and Europe. Are you with us? Sources: The World Bank, Quarz #EngageEmpowerConnect #AUEUYouthVoicesLab #PoweroftheCollective #AUEU #EuropeAid

Africa's Young People: A Force for Positive Change Africa's youth are a powerful force for shaping the continent's future. In 2018, the African Union (AU) officially recognized their potential by creating the AU Youth Envoy. This acknowledges the critical role young people can play in achieving socio-economic growth and sustainable development. A Demographic Dividend: Africa has a youthful population, with an estimated 60% under the age of 25. This presents a tremendous opportunity. By harnessing this demographic dividend, countries can empower young people to shape their nations' destinies. Political Participation and Deepening Democracy: African youth are increasingly engaging in the political process. We see this in the rising numbers of young people running for office and actively participating in elections. From North Africa to the Sahel region, young people have played a pivotal role in toppling undemocratic regimes and ushering in democratic rule. The continent even witnessed the election of its youngest-ever president, demonstrating the power of youth activism. Fighting Corruption and Promoting Accountability: Young Africans are crucial in the fight against corruption, a major obstacle to development. Their fresh perspectives and digital fluency can help rebuild trust in public institutions. Their activism is a powerful force that challenges the established political order and pushes for greater transparency. Building strong institutions: Empowered by access to information, young Africans are demanding better governance and resisting unfair practices. Strong institutions are essential for a healthy democracy, and young people like investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas (Ghana) and whistleblower Ousman Sonko (Senegal) are leading the way in exposing corruption and holding leaders accountable. Conclusion: Africa's youth are a driving force for positive change. Their energy, idealism, and technological skills are key assets for building a more democratic, prosperous, and just future for the continent. #Africaelections #democracy #youth #youngpeople

In PNG, women face significant political, economic, social, and cultural challenges, including stereotypical views and lack of support during campaigns. While aid agencies may provide financial and technical assistance to foster women's leadership, they often overlook cultural context. Recognizing and integrating local knowledge and customs from the outset is vital for a significant impact. Local Strategies like the indigenous approach of wok bung wantaim (working together) and givim bel (giving without expecting anything in return) are crucial for building long-term relationships and networks among women. However, aid agencies need to recognize and include local knowledge and practiced from the beginning to make a meaningful impact. It is wonderful to read the research by former college and mentor Mary Fairio and how it impacts the Space of Women in Leadership in PNG. Achieving equal representation in PNG requires continued efforts to address cultural barriers, political reforms, and support from both local and international stakeholders.