In a world where the youth and women represent significant segments of the population, their underrepresentation in public governance remains a pressing concern. On a recent African Governance Institute for Development (AGID) webinar, Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YAGA Africa, shared invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities in increasing youth and women participation in governance.
A Generation Ready to Lead
“This is the time for young people and women,” Itodo emphasized as he opened the discussion. The Not Too Young to Run movement, a campaign he spearheaded, was a testament to this sentiment. By reducing the age for political candidacy in Nigeria, this movement disrupted the status quo and gave young people a fighting chance in the political arena. But as Itodo reminded attendees, the campaign was not just about getting young people into office; it was about addressing the deeper leadership crisis in Africa, where politics often prioritized wealth accumulation and elite conflicts over public good.
Challenges: Scaling the Hurdles
Running for office is no easy feat, especially in a system entrenched in patriarchal and elitist norms. Itodo outlined key barriers faced by youth and women:
- Funding: High costs of nomination forms and campaign expenses create significant barriers for young candidates.
- Party Politics: Established parties often preserve the old order, relegating youth to token roles like party youth leaders.
- Violence and Intimidation: Politics is often perceived as war, requiring resilience and emotional fortitude to navigate.
- Societal Norms: Deep-rooted cultural biases continue to limit opportunities for women and youth.
- Knowledge Gaps: Many lack the understanding of the political landscape and the tools to effectively navigate it.
Itodo’s advice? Start by conquering personal fears and building a robust support network. “Power is not given; it is taken,” he said, urging young people and women to see politics as a long game requiring strategic investments.
Opportunities: The Path Forward
While challenges abound, opportunities to transform governance are within reach. Proportional representation systems, as seen in countries like South Africa and Kenya, ensure a more inclusive parliament. Introducing quota systems, whether legislated or party-driven, has significantly boosted women’s representation in countries like Sierra Leone and Benin.
Moreover, technology offers a powerful tool for mobilization, fundraising, and voter engagement. From AI-powered campaign tools to grassroots mobilization through social media, young candidates can amplify their reach without exorbitant costs. However, Itodo cautioned against relying solely on digital platforms: “Politics is local. Understand your people, know what they want, and meet them where they are.”
Lessons for Aspiring Leaders
Itodo shared several practical lessons for aspiring leaders:
- Invest in Social Capital: Build genuine relationships with your constituents. Communities will rally behind candidates they trust and know.
- Play the Long Game: Politics requires patience and persistence. Focus on building credibility over time.
- Stay Grounded: Avoid overestimating your value or succumbing to impatience for higher offices.
- Maintain Integrity: Politics demands compromise, but never at the expense of your core values.
Women in Politics: Breaking Barriers
Women face unique challenges in politics, from economic disenfranchisement to patriarchal resistance. Yet, stories like that of Natasha Akpoti, who overcame systemic intimidation to win a Senate seat, offer hope. “If you want to win, get close to your people,” Itodo advised. Supporting women through quotas and providing financial and structural backing within parties are essential steps forward.
The Role of Citizens
Ultimately, active citizenship remains crucial. Itodo called on citizens to pressure political parties to field diverse candidates and to punish those that fail to do so. “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” he said. “We need resilience and energy to keep pushing for change.”
Conclusion
The AGID webinar underscored that while the road to inclusive governance is fraught with challenges, it is far from impossible. By leveraging strategic reforms, building grassroots support, and embracing technology, youth and women can redefine leadership across Africa. As Itodo aptly concluded, “Democracy still remains the best form of government. Let’s defend and improve it.”
The journey to inclusive governance is a collective one—and it begins with each of us stepping up to the challenge.