A general focus on Africa’s performance reveals that Africa continues to drag behind most of the world in socioeconomic development, despite the widespread adoption and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Promoting participation in the formal peace process creates a safe space for the young people where they participate in inclusive, democratic and structured dialogues. This also gives young people the chance to develop youth-led organizations in peace, security and humanitarian action.
Economic Empowerment of Women Good for All | The Youth Cafe
BY KINGSLEY IGHOBOR
Government staffer Souhayata Haidara enjoys talking about her life in a patriarchal society. Her career is a triumph of patience and perseverance, she tells Africa Renewal with a smile and a wink. Ms. Haidara, currently the Special Adviser to Mali’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, says she was lucky not to be married off at age 14 like some of her peers. Her father resisted pressure from suitors and relatives and insisted that the teenager be allowed to complete high school before getting married.