As we progress through the 21st century, the potential of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's most significant resource, its youth, remains largely untapped. The region boasts a predominantly young demographic, with over 63% of its population under the age of 35. Yet, this cohort faces a myriad of challenges unique to their circumstances. In this article, we explore the top 10 obstacles faced by the youth in the MENA region.
- Unemployment: The MENA region has the world's highest youth unemployment rate. Young people find it challenging to secure jobs due to a mismatch between their skills and the job market's demands, alongside a lack of opportunities.
- Quality Education: Access to quality education remains an issue. Many students complete their education without the critical thinking skills, technical knowledge, or entrepreneurial acumen necessary for the modern workforce.
- Gender Inequality: Despite progress, significant gender disparities persist, particularly in education, employment, and social freedoms. This imbalance limits the potential of young women who are a crucial part of the region's future.
- Political Instability: Conflicts and political instability have a disproportionate impact on youth, disrupting their education, limiting job opportunities, and often causing psychological stress.
- Limited Civic Participation: Many young people feel excluded from political and civic participation, which can lead to feelings of disenfranchisement and exacerbate social tensions.
- Social Constraints: Traditional societal norms and expectations can limit youth's aspirations, particularly in areas such as career choice, marriage, and societal roles.
- Mental Health: The stigma associated with mental health issues, combined with a lack of available resources, poses significant challenges to young people's well-being in the region.
- Lack of Entrepreneurial Opportunities: While many young people are interested in starting their own businesses, they often encounter obstacles such as limited access to capital, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of mentorship.
- Migration: Faced with limited opportunities, many young people consider migration in search of better education and employment prospects. This 'brain drain' can deprive the region of its most valuable asset—its youth.
- Climate Change: The MENA region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which threatens traditional livelihoods and exacerbates social and economic issues.
Let's not view the youth of the MENA region as a problem to be solved, but rather, let's see them as they are: a wellspring of innovation, energy, and potential that, if given the right tools and opportunities, can drive the region towards a more promising future.
