By Hafsa Yushau Yusuf

The United Nations, an organization renowned for championing human rights and democratic principles, once stated, “Youth participation is central to achieving sustainable, inclusive, and stable societies.” This powerful statement underscores the indispensable role young people play in shaping the course of our shared future. As we stand on the cusp of unprecedented global challenges and transformative opportunities, empowering youth for democratic participation has become more critical than ever before.
Civic space, the bedrock of a thriving democracy, grants individuals and organizations the freedom to voice concerns, advocate for change, and foster social progress. By expanding this space, we empower youth as catalysts of change, where diverse perspectives converge, and collective aspirations shape a brighter future.
Youth participation is vital in shaping societies amidst complex global challenges. Their fresh perspectives and commitment to social progress make them catalysts for change. Engaging with political systems fosters accountability, while technology amplifies their impact. Empowering youth for democratic participation is an investment in a just, equitable, and sustainable world, addressing urgent issues like climate change.
This article delves into the transformative potential of expanding civic space as a catalyst for empowering young people in democratic participation. By exploring the multifaceted dimensions of civic space, examining the challenges young individuals encounter, and showcasing the significance of youth-led initiatives, this discourse aims to illuminate the path towards fostering an inclusive and vibrant civic ecosystem where the voices of the youth resonate with impact and shape the future of societies worldwide.

“Civic space, as defined by Kumi Naidoo, a renowned human rights activist and former Secretary-General of Amnesty International, encompasses the fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. It is a crucial arena that empowers youth to voice concerns, foster social progress, and actively participate in shaping a more just and equitable society, as we face complex global challenges.”

In the pursuit of a more inclusive and just society, youth involvement in civic and public life is indispensable. However, the challenges they encounter, such as safety risks, Unequal access to technology that creates a digital divide, hindering some youth from fully participating in online civic activities. and limited representation, necessitate concerted efforts to ensure their well-being and meaningful engagement. The EU stands firmly behind youth involvement in civic and public life, recognizing their crucial role in shaping a better future. As expressed by Jutta Urpilainen, the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, supporting youth activists and human rights defenders through mechanisms like ProtectingDefenders.eu is vital to safeguarding the pivotal role young individuals play in shaping our shared destiny. By embracing and addressing these challenges, we can create an enabling environment where the voices and aspirations of the youth flourish, paving the way for a more resilient and equitable society.
Numerous youth-led initiatives and organizations drive positive change globally, spanning climate activism, gender equality advocacy, technological innovation, and social entrepreneurship. A standout example is the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program, a United Nations initiative empowering young changemakers to advocate for sustainable development. Chosen as SDG advocates, these leaders promote and inspire action on the 17 SDGs, addressing issues like poverty, education, and environmental conservation. Through their efforts, youth exemplify the transformative potential of their engagement, showcasing the power of inclusive, sustainable development in creating a better world for all.
Among the inspiring array of youth-led initiatives driving positive change, one stands out for its transformative impact on education: MyVoiceMySchool. Empowering students to actively shape their learning environments, this innovative youth-led initiative has harnessed the power of digital tools to create a platform where young voices resonate with clarity and conviction. Through MyVoiceMySchool, students find their voices and play a central role in the decision-making processes that govern their educational journey. By bridging the gap between students and education authorities, this initiative exemplifies how youth-led initiatives can contribute to democratic progress at the grassroots level, transforming education into a force for social change and progress.

In the pursuit of a flourishing democracy and an inclusive society, the significance of engaging young voices cannot be overstated. As we stand at the crossroads of history, facing intricate challenges and transformative opportunities, the agency and vision of today’s youth emerge as a powerful force for positive change. At the core of this transformative potential lies the concept of expanded civic space, a dynamic arena where the rights of freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly intersect, fostering an environment conducive to active citizenship.

In conclusion, by heeding the call to expand civic space and empower youth for democratic participation, we lay the groundwork for an inclusive and vibrant civic ecosystem. Embracing the diversity of perspectives and harnessing the potential of young changemakers, we can collectively address the complex global challenges that lie ahead. Together, let us build a world where every voice matters, where the dreams of today’s youth intertwine with the promise of tomorrow’s possibilities, and where democracy thrives through the relentless pursuit of a better, more equitable world for all.

By Ibrahim Adam

Malam Shaharani is a father of one of the beneficiaries of Kwankwasiyya Scholarship Scheme. His son (Mashahud) was sponsored twice by the administration of HE Sen. Kwankwaso for undergraduate degree and Msc by Kwankwasiyya Development Foundation, all in India.

While he was weeping and thanking Sen. Kwankwaso yesterday on behalf of other beneficiaries parents, during a 3-Day Job Fair for Kwankwasiyya Sponsored Students, he narrated how he trekked from his house to Kano govt House with just 10 Naira in his pocket, to submit the credential of his Son, after he heard on Radio station, the advertisement of Scholarship abroad by Kwankwaso’s administration for Kano State Secondary Schools graduate that graduated with 9 credits. That is, in the year 2012.

Luckily enough, his Son was sent to Sam Hagginbattom University in India for his undergraduate where he bagged 1st class degree in Pharmacy. Upon his return, Kwankwasiyya Development Foundation under the auspices of Sen. Kwankwaso sponsored him again to Sharda University In India where he bagged his Msc.

He narrated how all this happened with having no connection with Kwankwasiyya govt and Kwankwasiyya Development Foundation.

While Listening to the fulfilled father talk, my mind and attention quickly shifted to Madugu who was sitting far from the podium, as he listens to the emotional father talk. You could see fulfillment, even bigger and greater than the father’s in Sen. Kwankwaso’s face. I still wonder what he must have always felt whenever beneficiaries of his vast human capital development programmes or their parents make public testimonies in appreciation of how he changed their lives. “ There sits a great man” I told myself, the only reflection of the likes of Sardauna and Balewa.

Ibrahim Adam is the Media aide of Kwankwasiyya movement

Hafsat Muhammad Yola

When a girl decides to report a sexual harassment or an assault, the first people to dissuade her will be her parents most especially her mother. Be it because she doesn’t want her daughter’s image to get tarnished in the eyes of future potential suitors or their families.

These may serve as a weakening point to a girls voice so early that it crumbles her ambitions, courage, vision, happiness and reduce her to a submissive timid and robot.

These pedophile starts abusing girls at a very tender age and are usually trusted family relatives a girl sees every day.

It escalates when a girl reaches adolescent. she becomes extremely self conscious because of creeps that prey on her innocent body.That might even be the bases she’s an introvert but parents hardly pay much attention.

Still when she’s an adult men say crude and dirty things to her in the guise of compliments and coerce her to illicit affairs that violates her self esteem.

An she’s not too old to be groped by a teenage boy who could be her son’s mate. These results to many psychological trauma faced by the female gender and they’re too ashamed to confide in anyone.

Dear women,young or old,beautiful or less,white or black,Muslim or Christian, no matter what your race,culture or value is your body is a sacred temple;a gift from God that you dare not allow any man to defile!

Hafsat Muhammad Yola studies at the Faculty Of Communication Bayero University Kano.