Submissions on the Draft National Youth Policy 2020-2030

Sonke Gender Justice (Sonke) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, established in 2006. Today, Sonke has established a growing presence on the African continent and plays an active role internationally. Sonke works to create the change necessary for men, womxn, young people and children to enjoy equitable, healthy and happy relationships that contribute to the development of just and democratic societies.

Sonke pursues this goal across Southern Africa by using a human rights framework to build the capacity of government, civil society organisations and citizens to achieve gender equality, prevent gender-based violence and reduce the spread of HIV and the impact of AIDS.

The Policy Development and Advocacy Unit utilizes several strategies to support Sonke’s objectives. These include strategic litigation; conducting research; drafting legal and policy submissions. Sonke welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Draft National Youth Policy 2020-2030 Bill as Sonke recognises the importance of engaged citizen and empowered youth activism that can both support and hold government accountable, and thus makes the submission to communicate the identified gaps and loopholes and propose alterations to the draft policy to ensure that government adopts a holistic and comprehensive approach to achieving integrated and sustainable youth development.

We would further like to submit a request for an oral presentation on this submission if the opportunity arises, aimed at outlining and substantiating the issues addressed and suggestions proposed herein.