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Youth

While young people play central and catalyzing roles in movements for democracy around the world, they are less engaged than older generations in voting and party activism. As of 2016 people between the ages of 20 and 44 make up 57% of the world’s voting age population but only 26% of the world’s Members of Parliament (MPs). Young people under 30 only represent 1.9% of the world’s MP’s and more than 80% of the world’s upper houses of Parliament have no MPs aged under 30. While male MPs outnumber female MPs in every age category, gender imbalance is less pronounced among younger MPs around the world. This suggests that young men and women may be more likely to make way for new faces and voices to be represented in decision-making (Inter-parliamentary Union Youth Participation in National Parliaments, 2016). Strategies that may promote the engagement of youth in political processes include: youth quotas; legal reforms to align the voting age with the minimum age for elected officials; proportional representation electoral systems; inclusive parliaments and local governance; removal of barriers for youth electoral participation; outreach and recruitment of students by political parties; and targeted outreach to youth political candidates.

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Book: The shocking lies that reveal the truth about women in politics

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April 19, 2021

Book: The shocking lies that reveal the truth about women in politics

Sex, Lies and Question Time
Kate Ellis
Hardie Grant Books $32.99

Sex, Lies and Question Time
Kate Ellis
Hardie Grant Books $32.99

Ofelia Fernandez: Inspiring young women all over Latin America

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April 9, 2021

Ofelia Fernandez: Inspiring young women all over Latin America

A determined feminist, Ofelia Fernandez is the youngest lawmaker in Latin America. The 20-year-old is an icon for many, but she has a few detractors. 

A determined feminist, Ofelia Fernandez is the youngest lawmaker in Latin America. The 20-year-old is an icon for many, but she has a few detractors. 

World News

Call to Action on young women’s political participation and leadership

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Call to Action on young women’s political participation and leadership

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Following a virtual event on 18 November 2020, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth published today a call to action on young women’s participation in politics.

The call to action identifies three priority areas for increasing young women’s representation in politics:

Following a virtual event on 18 November 2020, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth published today a call to action on young women’s participation in politics.

The call to action identifies three priority areas for increasing young women’s representation in politics:

World News

Sol Arrúa: The rippling impact of empowering young women in Paraguay

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Sol Arrúa: The rippling impact of empowering young women in Paraguay

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Polite, buoyant, and idealist: In many ways, Sol Arrúa comes across as a regular 21-year-old. However, as soon as we bring up the subjects of politics and leadership, which she is most passionate about, it becomes clear that there is much more about Sol than meets the eye. 

Polite, buoyant, and idealist: In many ways, Sol Arrúa comes across as a regular 21-year-old. However, as soon as we bring up the subjects of politics and leadership, which she is most passionate about, it becomes clear that there is much more about Sol than meets the eye. 

Deepening Stabilization in Libya: Overcoming Challenges to Young Women's Participation in Peace Building

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January 15, 2021

Deepening Stabilization in Libya: Overcoming Challenges to Young Women's Participation in Peace Building

As Libya struggles with continued political conflict and economic turmoil amid the COVID-19 pandemic, young women who want to contribute to peacebuilding, political processes, and economic reconstruction face serious obstacles.

As Libya struggles with continued political conflict and economic turmoil amid the COVID-19 pandemic, young women who want to contribute to peacebuilding, political processes, and economic reconstruction face serious obstacles.

World News

UN Women and UNV launch new Young Women Leaders Initiative

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UN Women and UNV launch new Young Women Leaders Initiative

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UN Women and UNV launch the new Young Women Leaders Initiative to create professional opportunities for leaders of tomorrow and further enhance diversity in UN Women. We invite 10 young women from the Global South to serve as UN Youth Volunteers at UN Women Headquarters in New York starting in April.

UN Women and UNV launch the new Young Women Leaders Initiative to create professional opportunities for leaders of tomorrow and further enhance diversity in UN Women. We invite 10 young women from the Global South to serve as UN Youth Volunteers at UN Women Headquarters in New York starting in April.

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