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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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March 6, 2018
Youth in Kyrgyzstan unite their voices ahead of crucial presidential vote

In 2017, Kyrgyzstan faced a critical turning point in the country's history. For the first time, an elected president would willingly hand power to an elected successor.

January 30, 2018
Take five: “Demand to have a seat at the table, don’t wait for an invitation”

As hundreds of youth activists from around the world convene at the United Nations for the annual Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, from 30-31 January 2018, UN Women spoke to Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN Secretary-General’s Env

Running Start's Young Women’s Political Leadership Program

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January 30, 2018

Running Start's Young Women’s Political Leadership Program

Running Start’s flagship program introduces high school girls to the power of political leadership.

Running Start’s flagship program introduces high school girls to the power of political leadership.

January 8, 2018
Women in politics: Invitation to shadow Welsh Assembly member

Young women are being given the chance to shadow an assembly member for the day in an effort to boost female participation in politics.

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Live-streamed political program reaches thousands of young Kyrgyzstani citizens eager to participate in political life

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November 13, 2017

Live-streamed political program reaches thousands of young Kyrgyzstani citizens eager to participate in political life

The continued expansion of internet use in Kyrgyzstan has created new opportunities for young peop

The continued expansion of internet use in Kyrgyzstan has created new opportunities for young peop

October 23, 2017
Jacinda Ardern becomes New Zealand's youngest woman leader

New Zealand is set for a centre-left coalition government led by Labour head Jacinda Ardern.

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July 28, 2017
The Youth Democracy Academy celebrates first alumni

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Youth Participation in Electoral Processes – Handbook for Electoral Management Bodies

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June 30, 2017

Youth Participation in Electoral Processes – Handbook for Electoral Management Bodies

Specifically designed for electoral management bodies (EMBs), this publication acknowledges the crucial role EMBs play in ensuring that all segments of the society, including youth, are empowered to fully participate in the electoral

Specifically designed for electoral management bodies (EMBs), this publication acknowledges the crucial role EMBs play in ensuring that all segments of the society, including youth, are empowered to fully participate in the electoral