Youth Engagement and Empowerment

Youth Engagement and Empowerment at a glance 

Somalia is one of the youngest countries in the world, with 75 per cent of its population under 30 years old. While young people represent the majority in Somali society, continuing unrest, conflict, socio-economic and political exclusion have left them with psychological wounds and multiple roadblocks to adulthood.

Available data suggests that Somalia has one of the highest rates of youth joblessness in the world, and windows of opportunity to engage politically, economically and socially remain weak or non-existent. Participation of young people in decision-making has been challenging due to clan-based and cultural alliances, age, lack of education opportunities and poverty, and the prominence of elders in the political system. Space and opportunities for engagement are even more challenging for young women.

Exclusion has frustrated and demoralised many young Somalis, leading many to embark on an often dangerous journey across borders in a search for better lives. Those who stay behind are often vulnerable to crime, drugs, piracy, radicalism and armed groups. The involvement of young people — increasingly young women — in extremist groups has fed into the widespread portrayal of youth as a threat to peace and security.

Historically, the contribution and inclusion of young people to peacebuilding efforts has received little support, but there is a growing recognition among the international community that youth leadership is essential to achieving sustainable peace.