Globally, only 27.5% of parliamentarians are women, and just 2.8% of parliamentarians are aged 30 or under.
If democracy is to meet the challenges of the future, the political overrepresentation of men must be addressed, creating greater opportunities for young people, especially young women, to access, participate in, and drive the transformations needed.
As part of our #RenewingDemocracy campaign, we are spotlighting the voices, stories and leadership journeys of young women from across Africa, America and Asia through the WYDE Journey Mapping of Young Women in Politics.
From local councillors and mayors to parliamentarians, activists and community leaders, these women share what inspired them to enter public life, the barriers they have faced, and what it takes to build more inclusive and representative democracies. Their stories remind us that renewing democracy is not only about strengthening institutions. It is also about ensuring that new generations of leaders can participate, lead and drive change. When young women are empowered to engage in politics, democracy becomes more diverse, responsive and resilient.
The Journey Mapping are part of the Women and Youth in Democratic Engagement (WYDE) – Women’s Leadership Initiative, a programme funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA, UN Women, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and United Cities and Local Governments.
Watch the inspiring stories and discover how young women and men around the world are helping shape the future of democracy on the International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics YouTube channel. Link in the comments.
Source: International IDEA
