THE YOUTH DIVIDEND AND WOMEN’S ENGAGEMENT A TORCH ON 2016 ELECTIONS THE YOUTH DIVIDEND AND WOMEN’S ENGAGEMENT

Introduction Uganda: the young people under the age of 30 constitute 78% of the population (UNHS 2009/10). With such a growing youth population, there are high opportunities and challenges for the youth and the country as a whole Whereas Uganda is making strides, significant challenges in meeting its youth’s needs today & their challenges tomorrow persist

Future leaders: When is the future? Characteristics of the youth Energetic/hyper active Active in political participation & civic engagement Can be active participants in development by promoting & creating youth employment themselves through challenge funds.

Future leaders: When is the future? Have potential to increase the capacity of youth‐led organizations & to move from being passive recipients to becoming active participants in the promotion & creation of youth gainful employment. Can easily be lured into un (less)produtive ventures- Can be vulnerable, marginalised &Used – compare their situation with other marginalised/vulnerable groups

A youth at one of the rallies in Gulu

Why women & youth? Fall under the same category Have the same ministry Because of their numerical strength, are always targeted by … etc

A TORCH ON 2016 ELECTIONS Are the youth homogenous? (gender, S.E.S) Where & how did the youth deploy their youthful energies? What did they do wrong/right What could they have done differently? What is the plan for the future of the youth?

Purpose of this Dialogue Commemorating the International Women’s Day (IWD) Observations & Reflections on the elections-gains &challenges Sharing lessons learnt