Beyond uprisings, real change requires youth participation in governance and politics - expert

Abstract

In a continent marked by democratic transitions, youth should not be marginalized from critical political and decision-making processes in their societies, said author and professor, Alcinda Honwana, at the International Conference on Youth on the theme: “Youth and Democratization in Africa: Lessons Learned and Comparative Experiences held from 1-3 November 2012 at the United Nations Conference Centre. Prof. Honwana said that as fertility rates begin to decline in the coming decades, Africa would have the largest youth cohort in its history and as such, “it is imperative to directly involve the younger generations in state governance and politics.” The session noted that street protests and political activities outside formal party policies may not be enough to steer the direction of democratic change. As underscored by many of the experts at the forum, current social movements and forms of democratic participation are still unfolding, and they may not yet constitute the real meaning of the term ‘revolution’.