Young members of youth advisory councils across Africa have reported a significant disparity between the intended meaningful engagement of these councils and their actual experiences. This finding comes from a study published in BMC Public Health, which involved surveys of 154 youth advisory council members and in-depth interviews with 14 participants, all aged between 18 and 30.
The research, led by Luwam T. Gebrekristos and colleagues, focused on three main questions: the demographics of youth council participants, their definitions of meaningful engagement, and the factors facilitating their participation. Participants were drawn from 15 countries across Africa, with an overwhelming majority (94.2 percent) actively serving on councils during the study.
Despite the varying structures of the councils, there was a consensus among participants regarding what constitutes meaningful engagement. They emphasized the importance of co-creation, advocating for involvement in decision-making alongside organizations rather than being merely consulted. They expressed a desire for their voices to be genuinely valued by the institutions they serve.
Participants identified two essential conditions for achieving this type of engagement. First, organizations must embed youth perspectives in their foundational frameworks, integrating young advisors into decision-making processes. Second, they highlighted the need for adequate support for young individuals participating in these councils.
However, the study’s primary finding revealed a gap between the ideal of meaningful engagement and the reality experienced by participants. Many expressed that their roles did not meet the standards of engagement they outlined, undermining the intended purpose of the councils.
The authors stress the importance of amplifying adolescent voices in policy development and advocacy, particularly in a region with a rapidly growing youth population. They argue that such engagement is crucial for the development of youth and for achieving broader social and economic outcomes in Africa.
While the study provides insights into the experiences of youth advisory council members, it also acknowledges limitations due to its cross-sectional design. The sample reflects the views of young individuals who had access to councils, potentially overlooking the perspectives of those excluded from participation.
