YOUTH AND UNEVEN POLITICAL IN SOMALIA
Young people in Somalia are not just the future of the
country – they are also the majority. Nearly three quarters of the population
is under 30 years old. Most are born after the overthrow of the Siad Barre
regime in 1991 and have only known conflict and violence.
An entire generation has missed out on education, employment
and knowing what a stable life is. Many lost hope for a better future.
However, youth feel disempowered by a lack of skills and
missing job opportunities. For young women, finding employment is even more
difficult due to cultural biases and traditional gender roles.
When it comes to education, Somalia has one of the lowest enrollment
rates in the world. The survey showed that in Somalia overall, 27 per cent of
youth aged 14-29 have not completed any type of school, 25 percent attended a
Koranic school, 27 percent attended Primary school and 21 per cent went to
secondary school or above.
Due to the lack of educational opportunities over the last
two decades, only half of young Somalis can read or write. Looking at
employment, it does not look much better: nearly 68 per cent of youth aged
14-29 years are unemployed.
Due to the lack of opportunities, many even stopped looking
for a job. When asked for the reasons for being unemployed, 20 percent cite a
lack of experience and low pay. A lack of jobs and a lack of skills are also
high on the list of reasons for unemployment.
Missing out on education and employment creates frustration
and demoralization among many youth. They might be tempted by crime,
endangering not only themselves, but also their communities. Despite these
challenges, Somali youth also shows a great sense of optimism when it comes to
the future of their country. They want opportunities to go to school and join
the work force. They want to be heard and participate in politics and in
rebuilding their nation. They want to shape their own future. If given a
chance, youth have the potential to become drivers for peace and stability.
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