Youth leadership plays a critical role in shaping the future of a community, and it is crucial that opportunities for leadership are accessible to all young individuals, regardless of their gender. In traditional youth elections, where candidates compete for the position of youth leader, it is essential to ensure gender equality to promote diversity, inclusivity, and equal representation. By fostering an environment that supports and encourages the participation of both genders, we can create a more balanced and holistic approach to youth leadership.

Historically, youth leadership positions have been dominated by males, perpetuating gender imbalance and reinforcing stereotypes. However, times are changing, and societies are recognizing the importance of equal representation and promoting the rights and opportunities of women and girls. To achieve true gender equality in traditional youth elections, several important steps should be taken.

Firstly, it is crucial to address any structural barriers that may hinder the participation of girls and women in youth elections. Traditional election processes may have inherent biases that favour male candidates, ranging from cultural expectations to social norms. By identifying and eliminating these barriers, such as biased nomination procedures or unequal access to resources, we can create a level playing field for all participants.

Moreover, it is essential to promote gender equality through active encouragement and support. Educating the youth about the significance of equal representation and debunking gender stereotypes is crucial. By empowering young individuals to question and challenge gender norms, we can foster an environment where both males and females are encouraged to participate and contribute effectively.

Furthermore, mentorship and leadership programs tailored for young women can play a pivotal role in promoting gender equality in traditional youth elections. Providing mentorship opportunities for aspiring female leaders and creating spaces for skills development and networking will help break down gender-related barriers and build a strong pipeline of qualified female candidates. These programs can also educate young males on the importance of gender equality and encourage them to be allies in promoting inclusivity.

Additionally, transparency and accountability are vital to ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates in traditional youth elections. Establishing clear guidelines and criteria for eligibility and evaluation will help negate any biases and ensure a fair selection process. Moreover, transparent reporting and evaluation mechanisms can hold organizations and communities accountable for promoting gender equality.

To further enhance gender equality, fostering collaborations and alliances with organizations working towards similar goals is crucial. By joining forces and sharing resources and expertise, we can exert a greater impact and create sustained change in traditional youth elections. These partnerships can enable the exchange of best practices, mobilization of support, and sharing of success stories, inspiring others to follow suit.

Finally, continuous evaluation and adaptation of strategies are vital to addressing the evolving challenges in promoting gender equality in traditional youth elections. Learning from successes and failures, revisiting policies and procedures, and incorporating feedback from stakeholders will ensure progressive improvement and encourage innovation.

Gender equality in traditional youth elections is fundamental to building a society that values the unique contributions of both males and females. By creating an environment that supports equal opportunities, promoting inclusive practices, and challenging gender norms, we can empower young individuals to become effective leaders and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Together, we can create a future where youth leadership is truly representative of all voices and experiences.

Godwin MacJumbo, a facility maintenance consultant, entrepreneur, development enthusiast, writer and poet, wrote in this article from Polo Nwator in Bonny Island, Rivers State.