Thursday, January 12, 2006

Women and Youth


Scores of emerging democracies have embarked upon dynamic new political and economic paths thanks to the emergence of innovative leaders with fresh ideas and approaches. At the same time, many developing countries curb their capacity for generating new ideas by limiting leadership – even participation – in ways that exclude women and youth.

For democratic practices to truly take hold, and for an economy to generate growth, the private sector must be fully engaged. The rights to participate in political processes, access services, and be part of the economy must not be provided selectively.

Women are often not the only disenfranchised group in emerging economies. All too often young people are left on the sidelines of political and economic policymaking. In many cases, due to a lack of education, young people do not posses the skills to become contributing members of the private sector - the fundamental concepts of private enterprise, private property, and political participation are unknown. Education is needed for progress, yet education without opportunity fuels disenchantment and potential upheaval.

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