Youth for Policy (YfP) has recently awarded certificates of recognition to outstanding youth who participated in the Youth Inclusion in Democracy Fellowship Programme, acknowledging their commendable dedication to fostering a more inclusive society.
Youth for Policy organized the “Youth Inclusion in Democracy” Fellowship program, an initiative centered on youth-led social accountability. This initiative provided a platform for young voices and fostered advocacy skills, creating a model for social accountability. The program prioritized youth-led social accountability by empowering young people to identify local problems, connect them to broader themes of inclusive decision-making, and develop solutions to advocate for change. This empowerment enabled young people to become active participants in shaping a more inclusive and democratic Bangladesh.
The Fellowship, which ran from January 2024 to April 2024, involved ten fellows from nine districts: Dhaka, Barishal, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Bandarban, Rajbari, Sirajganj, and Bogura. The initiative was led by ten Policy Champions from Youth for Policy, who were graduates of Policy Camp 2022 and 2023.
During the program, several critical issues were tackled across different communities in Bangladesh. Efforts focused on access to education for marginalized groups like the Bede and Harijan communities, amplified the voices of the Tripura and Harijan communities in policy-making, and engaged youth in governance through debate competitions and democracy training programs. Additionally, community issues such as sanitation, women’s safety, and healthcare access were addressed through organized events and policy dialogues.
The fellows identified voter apathy and safety concerns as significant deterrents to participation, addressing these through awareness campaigns and initiatives promoting a safe voting environment. Low voter turnout, particularly among youth, was also addressed through initiatives raising awareness of the importance of voting and encouraging youth participation.
The fellows’ initiatives had a direct impact on approximately 1700 individuals, including around 300 students, 450 community members from marginalized groups, over 200 young leaders, and 550 women and children from marginalized communities benefiting from healthcare initiatives. Across Khulna, Chattogram, Bandarban, and Rajbari, 295 people participated in activities ranging from surveys and campaigns to mock elections and learning sessions, all focused on enhancing voter engagement and understanding of democratic processes.
Moving forward, YfP aims to build on this success by continuing to empower youth in their communities, fostering an inclusive and democratic society.
