Youth Exclusion Hampers Anti-Corruption Efforts, Say Officials
Supporters argue that including young voices in governance and policymaking processes is vital for meaningful youth participation in holding leaders accountable against graft.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — The exclusion of youth from decision-making processes is hindering the fight against corruption, according to officials working with young people in several districts across Malawi, writes Regina Kadzuwa.
"Youths are well updated with advanced information across the country and worldwide with the coming of technology, while elders are easily manipulated by unpatriotic people to fall into corruption," said Peter Mizedya, Blantyre District Youth Officer.
However, Mizedya acknowledged that sometimes young people fail to intervene because they deliberately choose not to participate in important community meetings where they could voice concerns.
Charity Mahere, chairlady of the Nankhulumbo Youth Club in Blantyre, said youth get sidelined under the perception that they are incapable of substantive responsibilities to transform society.
"So it's rare to point out any form of corruption," she said.
In Thyolo, District Youth Network Chair Delia Msomati said leaders often view young people as "disorganized" and focused only on "destruction," denying them chances to identify and correct wrongdoing.
"Youths play a significant role in developing their societies, so initiatives are required to empower them to become agents of change," said Hope Mwafurwa, Machinga District Youth Officer.
She spoke during the opening of a four-day youth leadership training in Machinga.
Supporters argue that including young voices in governance and policymaking processes is vital for meaningful youth participation in holding leaders accountable against graft.