Can young people break the socio-cultural and institutional barriers for women in politics?

Political institutions have traditionally been created in male dominated societies in which men formulate the rules of the political game.  Although traditional political institutions have undertaken efforts to become more accessible for young people and women, it seems these efforts were not enough to break the hierarchical structure of these institutions. In both north and south, citizens are disappointed with governments, based on concerns of corruption, lack of responsiveness to the needs of the poor and the absence of a sense of connection with elected representatives and bureaucrats. With the flourishing of civil society and new forms of participatory democracy, citizens have forged new paths to representation and activism.  Young people have found a way to have their voices heard, by leading movements such as “Occupy Wall Street”, the “Indignados”, the protests in Tahir Square and many others, where young women have also actively engaged.

•    Could these alternatives pave a way to increased participation of young women in politics?

•    Can young people change the male dominated political culture in political institutions?

•     Are women’s concerns better addressed by young people? Are youth more sensitive to discrimination and gender based violence?  

Previous e-discussions on youth:            

http://iknowpolitics.org/en/2008/09/young-women-and-political-leadership

http://iknowpolitics.org/en/2007/03/young-people-and-politics

http://iknowpolitics.org/en/2012/07/increasing-young-women%E2%80%99s-en…