Inside-Outside View: Gender, Youth And The Dilemma Of Serving In The African Union

Sub-Saharan Africa has some of the longest ruling leaders in power and there are few structures which are inclusive of youth, either nationally, regionally or at continental level. In November 2018 the African Union (AU) appointed its first Youth Envoy and 10-member Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The move was historic and a step in the right direction. This piece offers a narrative based on unpacking personal experiences as a member of this YAC. Specifically, I reflect as a member of a faction who stood against holding a tokenistic youth position. The piece outlines an analysis of the key structural barriers and examples of what works well. This personal experience shines a spotlight on positionality: holding a position of power, yet being unable to influence the policy process. It also presents implications for young women-led movements which need to navigate this continental space. I reflect on the question: if an appointed representative could not manoeuvre the policy space effectively, how would women and girls who are activists on the ground take up the responsibility to begin to shift these spaces, organise on these issues and demand accountability?