Young people are actively involved in various aspects of political life, from voting and civic engagement to participating in policy-making processes.
Their engagement is recognised as crucial for addressing the needs and priorities of the youth population and ensuring a more inclusive and representative political landscape.
Electoral Participation
A significant percentage of Gambian youth vote in national elections, demonstrating their interest in shaping the country's political direction.
Civic Engagement
Youth actively participate in civil society organizations, youth-led movements, and community initiatives, advocating for social change and holding leaders accountable.
Policy Engagement
Young people are involved in discussions and consultations related to national policies and development plans, ensuring that their perspectives are considered.
Youth Organizations
Organizations such as the National Youth Council and youth-led initiatives play a crucial role in representing youth interests and advocating for their needs.
Advocacy and Activism
Young Gambians are increasingly involved in advocacy and activism, raising awareness about issues such as good governance, human rights, and social justice.
Government Initiatives:
National Youth Policy
The Gambian government has developed a National Youth Policy (2019-2028) that prioritizes youth empowerment and participation in national development.
Youth Development Centres
The establishment of youth-friendly centers across the country aims to provide a platform for youth engagement, empowerment, and access to resources.
Youth Inclusion in Policy
The government is making efforts to integrate youth perspectives into policy development and decision-making processes.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Barriers to Participation
Despite progress, challenges such as limited access to information, lack of resources, and resistance to youth voices can hinder meaningful participation.
Need for Inclusive Policies
There is a need for policies that are specifically designed to address the needs and aspirations of young people and to create an enabling environment for their participation.
Strengthening Governance
Efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance are essential for fostering trust and encouraging youth participation in political processes.
Meaningful Engagement
It is crucial to ensure that youth participation is not merely symbolic but is instead inclusive, participatory, and impactful, with young people being actively involved in decision-making at all levels.
By addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities, The Gambia can harness the potential of its young population to build a more inclusive, democratic and prosperous future.
Meanwhile, youth are central to regime change through their activism.
Their numerical strength as the largest demographic shows that the country is a youthful country with 70% of its population being young people.
This shows that important demographic potential of youth and their participation in the political process can go a long way in deepening democracy and enhancing it.
