Nam youth: An unrepresented majority
Less than 10 out of 146 lawmakers aged 35 and younger
Despite making up the biggest chunk of the population, young Namibians are still failing to make it into the corridors of power.
With youth representation in Namibia’s parliament currently standing at just over 8%, concerns over the absence of young people in decision-making structures have become a hot topic in recent years.
In the current parliament, less than 10 out of the 146 lawmakers are aged 35 and below. This is despite official statistics indicating that 2.1 million of the country’s 3 022 401 population are below the age of 35.
In Namibia, young people's inability to make it to the top of the parliamentary lists of their political parties continues to keep them out of parliament.
While youth critics argue that young people are not forthcoming when it comes to voting, young leaders have always indicated that the lack of youth leaders in top government and political party structures could be one of the major contributing factors to youth voter apathy.
Active participation
Not so long ago, National Council member Emma Muteka proposed the introduction of a youth quota in parliament to curb youth underrepresentation, adding that such a move will ensure that more young people can actively participate in the democratic process.
“I dream of a Namibia that can introduce a youth quota so that young people can get a chance to represent themselves. It’s always good to hear from the horse’s mouth. Who is better placed to advocate for youth matters than the youth themselves?,” Muteka asked rhetorically on the sidelines of the meeting.
Official statistics from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) indicate that although young people under the age of 30 make up half of the world’s population, globally, only 3% of parliamentarians are young.
Create opportunities
Swapo Party secretary for information and mobilisation in Windhoek East, Innocentia Gaoes, says it is crucial that youth are part of decision-making because they understand their own issues better than anyone else.
She cautioned against token appointments and urged young people to volunteer and take part in community development programmes.
“We must look at credible young people; they must deliver. Appointments must not be based on popularity. Government must lay down a solid foundation for young people, both from a representation and entrepreneurial aspect. Young people must also come to the fore and present their ideas,” she said while speaking at a recent public dialogue on youth and elections.
Media ombudsman, Dr John Nakuta identified the lack of solidarity amongst young people as a major stumbling block when it comes to youth empowerment.
“The problem that I see is that there is no solidarity among young people. The youth find it difficult to support each other's causes. You [young people] must build solidarity as youth so as to disrupt the status quo to advocate for youth issues,” he said.
In the current parliament, less than 10 out of the 146 lawmakers are aged 35 and below. This is despite official statistics indicating that 2.1 million of the country’s 3 022 401 population are below the age of 35.
In Namibia, young people's inability to make it to the top of the parliamentary lists of their political parties continues to keep them out of parliament.
While youth critics argue that young people are not forthcoming when it comes to voting, young leaders have always indicated that the lack of youth leaders in top government and political party structures could be one of the major contributing factors to youth voter apathy.
Active participation
Not so long ago, National Council member Emma Muteka proposed the introduction of a youth quota in parliament to curb youth underrepresentation, adding that such a move will ensure that more young people can actively participate in the democratic process.
“I dream of a Namibia that can introduce a youth quota so that young people can get a chance to represent themselves. It’s always good to hear from the horse’s mouth. Who is better placed to advocate for youth matters than the youth themselves?,” Muteka asked rhetorically on the sidelines of the meeting.
Official statistics from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) indicate that although young people under the age of 30 make up half of the world’s population, globally, only 3% of parliamentarians are young.
Create opportunities
Swapo Party secretary for information and mobilisation in Windhoek East, Innocentia Gaoes, says it is crucial that youth are part of decision-making because they understand their own issues better than anyone else.
She cautioned against token appointments and urged young people to volunteer and take part in community development programmes.
“We must look at credible young people; they must deliver. Appointments must not be based on popularity. Government must lay down a solid foundation for young people, both from a representation and entrepreneurial aspect. Young people must also come to the fore and present their ideas,” she said while speaking at a recent public dialogue on youth and elections.
Media ombudsman, Dr John Nakuta identified the lack of solidarity amongst young people as a major stumbling block when it comes to youth empowerment.
“The problem that I see is that there is no solidarity among young people. The youth find it difficult to support each other's causes. You [young people] must build solidarity as youth so as to disrupt the status quo to advocate for youth issues,” he said.
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