Generation Equality: a vision to transform South Africa through youth-led policy recommendations

A year ago, hundreds of youth from across South Africa gathered to discuss and debate policies that would shape their country and future. Convened by Youth@SAIIA (South African of International Affairs) over a year through dialogues, workshops, and conferences, groups of young people developed the SA Youth Gender Action Plan (SA YGAP). On 21 May 2024, the YGAP, based on research and the lived experiences of young South Africans, officially launched its web portal and released the document in several official South African languages.
South African youth face significant social challenges, with gender inequalities and marginalization disproportionately affecting women and LGBTQIA+ community. To address some of the most pressing challenges, the dynamic framework aims to inspire youth-led initiatives and guide various stakeholders in transforming the nation into a more inclusive, gender-equal society. Supported by UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office through funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the YGAP aligns with the principles of the South African Constitution and outlines actionable steps to turn this vision into reality. The initiative is part of the broader Generation Equality work in South Africa, which strives to advance gender equality with the meaningful engagement of young women and girls.

The SA YGAP consists of seven core pillars: Gender, Education and Capacity Building; Gender and Health; Gender, Safety and Security; Gender-Based Violence; Gender, Identity, and Sexuality; Gender and Public/Private Sector; Gender and Sustainable Transformation.

“Young people in South Africa and around the world have a crucial role in shaping the future of our societies and are key agents of change. UN Women is proud to support the South African Youth Gender Action Plan which is part of our vision with Generation Equality to support a new generation of feminists to further advance gender equality everywhere,” Hazel Gooding, Deputy Representative, UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office.

The Youth Gender Action Plan was shared with the government, represented by the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, foreign embassies and civil society partners.

“The cross-cutting themes of the core pillars in the Youth Gender Action Plan highlight the need for urgent action taken towards social injustices such as gender-based violence and the need for gender inclusive spaces. Particularly, the Gender, Safety and Security pillar amplifies the importance of protecting the marginalized communities and as youth it is imperative that we have modernized policies that speak to us and the issues we face relevant to current society,” Damatria Ntintili, co-drafter of the SA YGAP.
Another co-drafter of the SA YGAP, Hajar Ahjum- Mathee added: “Being a woman and member of the LGBTQIA community in South Africa means enduring fear, pain, and burdens unique to you because of your gender. However, the youth are emerging as leaders, recognizing that inclusive approaches and achievable goals are essential for driving change toward gender equality. That is exactly what SA YGAP is all about,” said Ahjum-Mathee.

The SA YGAP website is a comprehensive portal of information and recommendations on the seven pillars of the development of a more gender-inclusive society. It also provides essential contact details and hotlines for youth in need of assistance and support.  The portal can be accessed here.
 

Generation Equality, a UN Women initiative, gathers organizations from every part of society to catalyze progress globally and take bold actions together to promote gender equality. The South African Youth Gender Action plan aligns with Generation Equality’s goal of realizing women’s and girls’ rights for an equal future. Learn more about Generation Equality.