International Youth Day is observed worldwide every year on the 12th of August to raise awareness on youth issues. This year’s theme for International Youth Day is ‘Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for all Ages. Intergenerational solidarity in simple words means social cohesion between generations.
With every fourth person between the ages of 15- 29 years and an average age of 29, India is one of the youngest populations in the world. Driving the culture of innovation and diversity, India’s youth present the country with an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate economic development. This window of opportunity is called the ‘Demographic Dividend.’ To harness the potential of its enormous youth population and advance the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, there is a need to promote their health, education, skills, and overall development.
However, youth, especially adolescents and young girls, face ageism. The World Health Organization defines ageism as stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) directed towards others or oneself, based on age.
Youth is often stereotyped and continues to face age-related barriers in various spheres like livelihood, health, justice, and participation in politics and governance. They are poised with several challenges that might inhibit their potential to be fully tapped. Social constructs such as early marriages, adverse social norms, and inadequate education combined with structural poverty, especially in marginalized and under-served areas often increase their vulnerability to poor emotional and physical health. Additionally, COVID-19 has adversely and significantly impacted young people in the country. Abrupt discontinuation of education, limited access to health services, loss of jobs or job opportunities, loss of household income, social and peer isolation, migration, stress due to COVID-19, and other resultant factors is having a bearing on their health and well-being.
There is an urgent need to provide guidance and instil confidence in the young population about their health and well-being and extend support to this large and vulnerable, yet aspiring demography.
To enable young people in India to realise their true potential, it is imperative they have access to information and services as per their needs, in addition to equal access to opportunities and choices.
When youth have the power to make informed choices about themselves, when they can exercise their rights and responsibilities, they can navigate risks and become the foundation of more inclusive, adaptable, and sustainable societies.
