The growth of India heavily relies on the empowerment of women and youth

What is Youth Empowerment?

Youth empowerment refers to a process that encourages children and young individuals to pursue a career path. This is achieved by addressing their challenges and facilitating their access to resources, while also promoting a shift in their religious beliefs, values, and perceptions.

What is Women's Empowerment?

Women's empowerment refers to the process of granting women the tools, resources, and opportunities to make independent choices and participate fully in all aspects of life. It involves enhancing women's agency, enabling them to exercise control over their lives, make decisions, and pursue their aspirations freely. Women's empowerment aims to challenge and overcome societal norms, discrimination, and systemic barriers that limit women's access to education, economic opportunities, healthcare, and political participation. By fostering equality and dismantling gender-based inequalities, women's empowerment contributes to creating a more just and inclusive society.

Women's Empowerment is Necessary

Women have faced oppression on almost every continent, regardless of their progressive nature. Consequently, women worldwide have shown determination in their pursuit of equality. Although developed countries like the United States are making progress, developing nations still have a long way to go in achieving economic parity.

Youth Empowerment for a Better Society

Youth empowerment is a crucial force for positive change in society. Young people, as the backbone of our communities, hold immense potential to shape the future. Unfortunately, many Iraqi youth face challenges such as limited roles in decision-making processes, unemployment, and drug abuse

Unemployment: According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), 40% of Iraqi youth are unemployed1. Empowering them through education and skills development can reduce this rate.

Drug Abuse: Reports indicate that there are up to 7,000 drug abusers in Iraq, including those addicted to prescription pills1. Sensitizing parents and providing awareness can combat this issue.

Role in Society: To create a better society, we must foster their role by listening to their ideas and suggestions. Empowering young people in the work environment can lead to reduced unemployment, crime, and drug abuse1.

What are the Issues Affecting Women and Young Millions of Women?

1 Lack of Women in Leadership:

Only 27% of parliamentary seats, 36% of local government seats, and 28% of management positions are held by women. This lack of diverse perspectives hinders comprehensive policy formulation1.

2 Poverty and Lack of Economic Opportunities:

Over 340 million women and girls are projected to live in extreme poverty by 2030, surviving on less than USD 2.15 a day1.

3 Workplace Discrimination and Inequalities:

Only 61% of prime working-age women participate in the labor force, compared to 91% of men. Women earn only 51 cents for every dollar men earn in labor income1.

4 Imbalance in Unpaid Care Work:

Women globally spend 9.5% more time (2.3 more hours per day) on unpaid care work than men. This persistent gap limits women’s participation in education, employment, and other opportunities1.

5 Social Norms and Cultural Practices:

Harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation persist. Globally, one in five young women is married before age 181.

6 Inadequate Access to Education and Healthcare:

An estimated 110 million girls and young women may remain out of school by 2030. Progress in reducing maternal mortality and expanding educational opportunities requires targeted interventions1.

7 Food Insecurity:

Nearly 24% of women and girls are expected to experience moderate to severe food insecurity by 2030. Empowering women in food and agricultural systems is vital for ensuring food security and economic growth1.

Approaches to Encouraging Youth

Mentorship Programs:

Establish mentorship programs that connect experienced individuals with youth. Mentors can provide guidance, support, and a positive role model for young people.

Skill Development Programs:

Offer workshops, training, and programs that focus on developing practical skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and financial literacy. These skills are essential for personal and professional growth.

Career Exploration:

Provide opportunities for youth to explore different career paths. Workshops, internships, and career fairs can help them gain insights into various industries and make informed decisions about their future.

Community Involvement:

Encourage youth to participate in community service and volunteer activities. Contributing to the community fosters a sense of responsibility, empathy, and a feeling of making a positive impact.

Counseling and Mental Health Support:

Address the mental health needs of young individuals by offering counseling services, workshops on stress management, and creating a supportive environment where they feel comfortable discussing their challenges.

Education and Scholarships:

Support access to education by providing scholarships, grants, and resources that reduce financial barriers. Encouraging academic achievement and a love for learning can empower youth to pursue their educational goals.

Sports and Physical Activities:

Promote physical well-being through sports and recreational activities. Team sports can teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Conclusion

Despite the progress made in empowering women and young people, there is still a significant distance to cover. The emphasis now lies on raising awareness among women about their untapped capabilities, while the current administration should prioritize areas like healthcare, education, employment, mindfulness, and public engagement for women and youth. Additionally, efforts should be made to address issues such as unemployment, abuse, and drug addiction.