Youth and Political Participation in Nepal: SLN 4
Before the Peace Agreement in 2006 and since then youth remain at the forefront of political change in Nepal. The largest political parties have always been the ones with the largest youth base. The nineteen days pro-peace agitation that reinstated democracy saw thousands of youth mobilised. Many of those who are engaged in non partisan development initiatives that are trying to tackle political issues such as unemployment and better education realise the importance of the youth demographic. But for many with little direct contact with young people, youth participation in political processes is simply only viewed as synonymous with violent demonstrations in the streets. This is narrow and negative viewpoint – often propagated by media.
The fourth and final YGP Sharing and Learning Workshop (SLN) on “How have young people been involved in influencing the new political process in a positive way (i.e. in relation to voters’ registration, constitution building, influencing policies, etc)? What can we learn?” was hosted at DFID Nepal, and the conventional image of youth participation in political processes as simply rioters was challenged. The SLN aimed to unpack the following questions:
- What initiatives (programmes) have donors, CSOs, government Ministries been implementing in order to engage youth in influencing the political process? How have youth been involved in the process? How has engaging youth affected outcomes?
- What challenges/successes have we faced whilst working with youth on political processes?
- What lessons have we learnt whilst involving youth in political processes i.e. solutions to challenges?
The participating youth at SLN IV shared examples of how they had been influencing political processes in a positive way. Alliance for Peace and Youth Initiative shared profound examples on how young people have raised awareness in over 30 districts on the importance of how and why they should vote in the 2008 elections (you can listen to a jingle the group created here) and what the role of the constituent assembly is in forming a new constitution for Nepal. In addition, these youth organizations have lobbied all major political parties to enable more young candidates to stand for representation at Parliament. This information on positive youth engagement in political processes – that is otherwise never visible was highlighted during the SLN IV. However, it was also realised that for youth to influence political change there is a need to be more strategic in partnering with key-allies and more collaborative amongst ourselves. At this pivotal time of political transition youth need to make their voices heard and suggest approaches and mechanisms that they can support the government and donors with implementing youth rights within the new constitution. Not simply just saying our needs are not being met! It’s a careful balance – we shouldn’t be so loud that possible partners have to shut their ears, and similarly not so soft that they can’t hear!
Samrat Katwal, Youth Participation Officer
Please click here to read the draft SLN 4 report.
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