Speaking during the technology and innovation session, Harriet Richman an expert from the Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology – CWE Tech said, “The future of young people is in the hands of young people.” Harriet affirmed that the youth possess the potential to drive economic growth and innovation.

She also stated that Africa’s demographic trends should be understood in a clear-eyed manner to assess accurately whether it will be an asset or a liability. She thereafter reiterated that the time for African youth to shine has come and no one can deny it.

Accordingly the  President of Jadara, Mr. Hamid Ben Elafdil, echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized that, “Africa is not on hold waiting for a solution, Africa is the solution.” This powerful sentiment was the heart of the entire summit making a genesis of an informed Africa by Africa for Africa.

Notably, the summit also addressed the current unemployment situation in sub-Saharan Africa. It was observed that the unemployment rate is deteriorating and this was exacerbated by various developments, such as the climate crisis.

A 2024 report by the International Labour Organization underscored that the lack of productive and decent jobs remains the largest labour market challenge for young people in Sub-Saharan Africa. At 21.9 per cent in 2023, the youth NEET (not in employment, education, or training) rate in sub-Saharan Africa exceeded the global rate (at 20.4 per cent).

Markedly more than one in four young people in Africa around 72 million are not in employment, education or training (NEET). In fact, two-thirds of unemployed persons in Africa are young women.

The need for policy interventions to support young women in finding stable and satisfactory employment remains a major concern that warrants attention. While there are numerous strategies and interventions to promote youth employment, the journey for addressing the structural challenges that impede change is still on.

While the YES Africa summit was a catalytic moment for Africa, only time will tell if visible fruits will be seen.

]]> https://liberalnewsnetwork.com/2024/10/02/beyond-the-statistics-the-human-cost-of-teenage-pregnancy-and-gender-based-violence/ Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:24:03 +0000 https://liberalnewsnetwork.com/?p=2310 Nairobi, Kenya — Kenya is currently grappling with an alarming teenage pregnancy rate of approximately 18%. According to the latest Kenya Health Data Survey, nearly one in every five girls aged 15 to 19 is either pregnant or already a mother. Behind this staggering statistic are the faces of young women facing a harsh reality yet demonstrating extraordinary resilience in their fight to reclaim their futures.

Speaking with Liberal News Network in Nairobi, Benjamin Kahindi, Founder of the Safe Community Youth Initiative, said, ” There has been an increment in school dropouts among pregnant girls in Kilifi County.

Notably, the pregnant girls are largely from low-income families, and some of them are victims of negative social and cultural norms and practices.”

Kahindi warned that many adolescent girls fear being discriminated against because of the “smell of breast milk” and the changes experienced after giving birth.

It is approximated that over 4,000 school-going girls aged between 10 and 18 years were impregnated in 2023. Arguably the number has increased this year owing to the high cost of living. Worse still, young girls may also face another crisis because of their menstruation cycle.

Faith Pendo, the Founder of Pendant of Hope in Machakos County, said that more than 10,000 girls became gender-based violence victims because they could not access sanitary pads.

Pendo also underscored that adolescent girls continue to endure a lot of challenges because sanitary pads are expensive and inaccessible.

Speaking with the same tone, Joseph Ojuki, Founder and Senior Programs Manager at the Health and Economic Development Strategy Organisation (HEDSO), said, “There’s a lot of vulnerability within the lake region and the people there predominantly depend on fishing as their source of income. ”

Onjuki also noted that adolescent girls and young women. continue to remain vulnerable to gender-based violence and urged decision-makers to act quickly by reducing the costs of reproductive health products and services.

Dr. Vongai Nyahunzvi, Founder and CEO of Alliance for Women and Girls (AFWAG) also shared the same view and said that Kenya may not achieve gender equality unless consideration is given to young girls and women.

The meeting emphasized the significance of women’s active participation in politics, not just as tokens, but as architects of policy and decision-makers. True impact, resonated the call, comes from being present where it matters most. The discourse urged a reimagining of women’s leadership in both public and private sectors, acknowledging it as the key to substantial progress.

The session served as a powerful reflection, delving into the past, present, and future of women’s leadership on the continent. A stark reality emerged: African women, brimming with potential, were systematically denied meaningful platforms in political discourse and decision-making.

“We need to push back against these oppressive structures, and in the spirit of Sawubona, lift each other up!” thundered Hon. Millie Odhiambo, Suba North Member of Parliament of Kenya. Her words dispelled the myth of politics being a moral challenge for women, declaring, “Women leaders are capable. Women must be bold to take their rightful pace in the political space.”

Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Fatuma Ndangiza, Secretary General of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Women’s Caucus, highlighted the grassroots struggle of women in politics. “African women are capable of leading, but they are overburdened by the triple role – family, equality, and change,” she stated, her voice resonating with the struggles of countless women juggling responsibilities while fighting for their rightful place.

“Women must find their way into the rooms where decisions are made,” asserted Winnie Kiiza, a former Leader of Opposition in Uganda. Her words painted a stark picture of millions of women silenced by poverty and oppression, their voices yearning to be heard.

The pre-Sawubona meeting was not just a discussion; it was an ignition. It ignited a renewed passion, a burning desire to rewrite the narrative of women’s political participation in Africa. The message was clear: women must lead and femntorship (as opposed to the proverbial mentoring) the next generation to accelerate the momentum of inclusive governance and gender equality.