New Office, New Solutions, New Opportunities: USAID’s DIV in Action
05/03/2013Empowering Change: The Impact of Youth Leadership in Yemen
In recent years, Yemeni youth have made significant strides in demonstrating to both the government and international donors the critical need for inclusive governance. This approach has been pivotal, enabling young people to actively participate in shaping the policies that directly affect their lives. Although there has been some increase in funding for youth-centered programs, many argue that it remains insufficient given that youth constitute over 70% of Yemen’s population.
The current training opportunities provided by many organizations and donors often do not meet the actual needs of the youth. A common issue is that these trainings are overly specialized, tailored to specific projects rather than offering broader, more applicable skills. Additionally, many youth organizations suffer from weak structural frameworks, a problem that donors frequently overlook.
Youth Initiatives and Community Impact
However, the potential of youth leadership is undeniable when they are allowed to lead. For instance, Abdulrahman Hussein, a young filmmaker, produced an Oscar-nominated documentary about the role of youth in the Yemen revolution. More recently, during the Charge Squares protests, youth activists have been instrumental in establishing robust networks for collaboration. They have set up a media center in Change Square, formed youth councils to aid tribal coalitions in Mareb and Hadhramout, and launched successful advocacy campaigns that led to the release of political prisoners and the creation of new civil society structures in Taiz. These activities have also supported the decentralization of NGO registration processes, enhancing local organizational capabilities.
Responding to these developments, the local sector, including small businesses, has begun to provide essential support to the community. This includes delivering critical services like water to areas facing severe shortages, thus underscoring the transformative role of youth in fostering a culture of resilience and civic engagement.
Moving Forward
Yemen will have the opportunity to reach its full potential. If Yemeni youth activists continue to work closely with local governments to promote a culture of accountability and good governance, while also pushing political parties toward a much-needed political solution. For example, a promising strategy to enhance government accountability and transparency involves adopting digital communication tools, such as radio and WhatsApp, for sharing information, building support, and fostering coalitions. Additionally, it is crucial to tailor programs to align with the interests and desired skills of the youth, ensuring these initiatives continue to drive development long after their conclusion. Moreover, embedding organizational capacity-building skills into programs is essential. By educating young people in these competencies, they can effectively mobilize their communities towards cooperative efforts in safety and security, ultimately cultivating a sustainable culture of grassroots civic engagement.
