2014 African Union Commissions’ Africa Youth Day Essay Contest.

Application Deadline: 20^th of October 2014

Women account for about half of Africa’s talent base. As a group, they have been marginalised and their economic, social, political and environmental contributions go in large part unrealised, underutilized and undervalued. Poverty and HIV/AIDS still carry a female face. Women’ education is often sacrifice because of varioussocio-economic and cultural reasons and women are among the most affected byconflicts and violence. Empowering their participation in the community and the workforce greatly increases economic growth, reduces poverty, enhances societal well-being, and helps ensure sustainable development in all countries.

It is against this background that the African Union Heads of State and Government have dedicated next year, 2015, as the “Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”.  As a prelude to these celebrations, the African Union Commission is celebrating this year’s Africa Youth Day under the theme: Delivering on the Potential of Africa’s Young women.

Celebrated on the 1^st of November, The African Youth Day aims to promote an increased recognition of youth as key agents for social change and economic growth in all aspects of African society. The event also aims to contribute and channel the youth motivation, energy and idealism to reinforce the efforts towards the achievement of a sustainable development in the Africa.

To open up this discourse, the African Union Commission invites young Africans to submit an essay of not more than 1500 words, which identifies and makes the case for policy measures to support the empowerment of young women. Entries are encouraged to be evidence-based, drawing on experiences of the writer or other individuals or institutions.

Finalists will be invited to celebrate the African Youth Day at the African Union Commission in AddisAbaba, Ethiopia  and engage with Ministers of Youth from across the continent.  Winning essay shall be published and presented at various high level policy meetings in 2015.

Competition Rules:

1. The call is open from the 1^st of October 2014 to the 20^th of October 2014
2. The competition is open to young people (18-35) from African Union Member States.
3. Only one essay is allowed per entrant.
4. Essays shouldbe submitted in any of the AU languages i.e. English, French, Portuguese andArabic
5. Photographs and other illustrations that enhance the article are welcome, although these must be original to the author and be copyright free.
6. Submission should be made to essays@empoweryouth.today