APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION

9 DECEMBER 1997

1 Preface
2 Introduction
3 Principles and values
4 Vision of the National Youth Policy
5 Policy goals and objectives
6 Rights, responsibilities and obligations
7 Priority target groups
8 Key strategy areas
9 Institutions and agencies for youth development
10 Implementation mechanisms
11 Conclusion
12 Glossary
13.   Appendicies

President Mandela

Office of the President
Union Buildings
Pretoria
Republic of South Africa

16 December 1997

Dear Sir,

The National Youth Commission is proud to present to you the National Youth Policy as prepared by the National Youth Commission.

As you are well aware, Section 3(a) of the National Youth Commission Act (1997) states that the Commission will "coordinate and develop an integrated national youth policy". Thus, the deliverance of this policy to Government is a fulfilment of one of the Commission's most primary and important mandates.

The preparation of the National Youth Policy by the National Youth Commission has under taken an extensive process of consultation with youth organisations, sectoral groups, provinces as well as young women and men themselves. Through the participation of these groups in the policy formulation process, the National Youth Policy has been designed to address the major needs, challenges and opportunities of young men and women, accommodating provincial variations and specific sectoral issues.

The task of preparing this draft has been demanding. It has required the Commission to hear the various points of views, ideas and contributions from different sectors and to weigh these up against a range of potentially competing expectations. On the whole, however, the Commission has found a high degree of commonality. This policy should, therefore, serve as a means of unifying all sectors of society in the development of all young women and men.

The Commission is extremely grateful for the support and encouragement you have provided to the Commission and to the policy formulation process. We are confident this policy will set a positive and nationally agreed upon direction for the development of all young women and men in South Africa.

Yours sincerely,

Mahlengi Bhengu
Chairperson
National Youth Commission

This National Youth Policy represents an important milestone – not only for young women and men, but for our country as a whole. It is a cause for celebration and dedication. Celebration, because for the first time in the history of South Africa the aspirations, needs and conditions of young women and men have been formally recognised and articulated through a major policy initiative. Dedication, because if the vision and strategies outlined in this Policy are to become reality, we must all dedicate ourselves to the development of our young men and women.

In the past, the apartheid-government not only violated the rights and opportunities of young people through its repressive and racially-oriented system of coercion, it also denied any of the special needs of youth. No recognition was given to the needs and concerns of young men and women, who were instead, left to find their own way in a difficult and ever changing society.

Today we can celebrate the vision of the roles young women and men play in our new South Africa. Where young people contribute to the reconstruction and development of their communities and the country whilst taking initiatives which bring about their own personal development and the fulfilment of their dreams. Furthermore, we can take pride in this vision which has been developed by young men and women themselves. Through the leadership of the National Youth Commission young women and men from across the country have participated in discussions and workshops which have allowed them to talk about their situations and the needs and visions they have for their future.

We are all challenged by this National Youth Policy. Youth development cannot be left to the young alone. We must all play a role – the young and the old. We are challenged to recognise the contribution we must all make to developing our young women and men. If we are to call ourselves a just and caring society, then we must recognise the duty we have to the vulnerable, the young and the disadvantaged.

We must recognise the contributions young people make to our society and build upon the imagination, energy, vibrance and talents of all young women and men. In doing this we shall squarely address the factors which threaten the development of young people. Whether these exist as a legacy of apartheid or as a result of our own social practices, young women and men deserve fair treatment, a safe environment and a nurturing community.

Let us embrace this National Youth Policy, giving life and meaning to the vision and direction it has set. By working together – young and old, government and community, business and youth development organisations. To redress the legacies of the past, deal with the challenges of the present, and focus on achieving a brighter, fuller future for all.

President Nelson Mandela

With some 39% of South African society aged between 14 and 35 years, young people clearly comprise a substantial part of South African society. However, due to the policies of past governments, a significant number of young women and men have not been afforded the opportunity to develop their full potential. They have experienced poor housing conditions; limited and racially-biased access to education and training; limited employment opportunities; high levels of crime and violence and a general disintegration of social networks and communities. In addition, the previous government did not develop any specific policies or programmes to address the needs of young women and men.

The democratisation of South African society has offered many new opportunities and challenges to previously disadvantaged groups. Young women and men are, in particular, recognised as a vital resource whose future prospects are inextricably tied to that of the country as a whole. As President Mandela put it in May 1994, "youth are the valued possession of the nation. Without them there can be no future. Their needs are immense and urgent. They are the centre of reconstruction and development."

The National Youth Commission was established and inaugurated on 16 June 1996 by President Mandela. The Commission has been established through the National Youth Commission Act (1996) as a part of the Government's plan to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the problems and challenges facing young women and men in South Africa. The National Youth Policy represents a major and historical milestone in youth development and is an expression of the Government's commitment to the full development of all young women and men. Through this policy an environment will be created wherein all stakeholders in youth development can work toward common goals and a better South Africa for all.

In preparing the National Youth Policy, the National Youth Commission has undergone an extensive process of consultation with youth organisations, sectoral groups, provinces as well as young women and men themselves. Through the participation of these groups in the policy formulation process, the National Youth Policy has been designed to address the major needs, challenges and opportunities of young men and women, accommodating provincial variations and specific sectoral issues.

In June 1997, the National Youth Commission held a National Youth Summit in Cape Town. This Summit drew together more than 200 delegates from major youth, political and community organisations to discuss the process of policy formulation and to create a framework and direction for the National Youth Policy. Based upon the agreements reached at the National Youth Summit an extensive process of consultation was launched.

Provincial Youth Summits were held in every province, involving more than 1400 young people and representatives from different youth organisations. Prior to these summits, most provinces had conducted Youth Hearings. These hearings provided opportunities for young women and men to come together and discuss the major issues, challenges and needs they face which should be addressed through a National Youth Policy. Over 3000 young women and men participated in 35 Youth Hearings held in rural and urban settings across the country. Appendix 1 contains a summary of the locations of the Youth Hearings and Provincial Summits.

The National Youth Commission also conducted a series of sectoral workshops and focus groups which were specifically designed to consider the various strategy areas of the National Youth Policy. Twelve workshops and focus groups of this type were held along with a number of direct consultations between the National Youth Commission and Central Government departments.

Finally, on 28 to 30 November 1997 some 167 representatives of major youth and political organisations as well as government departments gathered to review the first draft of the National Youth Policy. The National Youth Policy Summit provided an opportunity for delegates to recommend changes and to approve the first draft. Based upon these recommendations the National Youth Commission reviewed an amended draft of the policy and approved this draft on 9 December 1997.

In adopting South Africa’s first National Youth Policy, the Government of the Republic of South Africa not only acknowledges the value and significance of its young people but also draws on international experience which clearly demonstrates the fundamental need for a comprehensive and holistic national youth policy providing a framework and focus for youth development by all stakeholders.

The National Youth Policy is a framework for youth development across the country. It endeavours to ensure all young women and men are given meaningful opportunities to reach their full potential, both as individuals and as active participants in society. The Policy addresses the major concerns and issues critical to young men and women and gives direction to youth programmes and services provided by government and non-government organisations. Through the National Youth Policy, the Government declares the importance of the active involvement of young people in national development, demonstrating the distinctive and complementary roles of all Government ministries, the non-government sector and youth groups in youth development; providing a framework with common goals for development and promoting a spirit of co-operation and co-ordination.

All of South African society will benefit through the implementation of the National Youth Policy. By placing young people in the broader context of reconstruction and development the National Youth Policy highlights the importance of youth development to nation building and the creation of a democratic, productive and equitable society.

Young women and men are not only a major resource and inheritors of future society, they are also active contributors to the nature of society today. The National Youth Policy recognises and values young women and men as a key resource and national asset and places their needs and aspirations central to national development. It provides a foundation and mechanism for youth participation in socio-economic development whilst recognising that young people should be protagonists of their own development and not merely recipients of state support. It enables the Government to give priority to youth development and display its commitment to national youth development through the creation of appropriate policy implementation mechanisms and the allocation of sufficient resources. The Policy should sensitise Government institutions and civil society toward youth development and acknowledge the initiatives of young men and women.

At provincial and local levels, the National Youth Policy will ensure that government authorities work in a cooperative and harmonious manner when designing and delivering programmes and services which address youth development needs and opportunities. Furthermore, the Policy will encourage an understanding amongst young men and women of the processes of governance and provide opportunities for their participation in provincial and local programmes, thus enabling young women and men to play a positive role in development.

The National Youth Policy provides a foundation and direction for a National Youth Action Plan. This Plan will complement the Policy and will describe the role of all agencies engaged in youth development and the programmes, services, facilities and activities they undertake to achieve the goals and objectives of the Policy.

The National Youth Policy is directed toward young males and females aged from 14 to 35 years. Young people in this age group require social, economic and political support to realise their full potential. Whilst this definition is broad, encompassing a large slice of one's life, it is understood that this is a time in life when most young people are going through dramatic changes in their life circumstances as they move from childhood to adulthood. It is recognised, however, that there may be some people who fall outside this age range but who may experience similar circumstances to other young people. Thus, this definition indicates the primary target group, without excluding those who may share similar circumstances. Whilst this transition period is characterised by youthful energy, enthusiasm, ambition, creativity and promise, it can also be influenced by uncertainty, fear and alienation. Young men and women may face many challenges and threats which are unique to them as a social group.

It should be recognised that the age range of men and women defined as being youthful is very broad. A person aged 35 years in 1997 was born in 1962 – she or he lived during a period of high political conflict, much of which was expressed in schools. Whilst a young person aged 14 years in 1997, was born in 1983, growing up when many new reforms and achievements of the struggle were being realised. Thus, it is necessary to recognise the different life circumstances and experiences which shape those who comprise this broad age category.

The National Youth Policy also recognises that not all young men and women are the same. Where some are at school or training institutions, others are not; where some young men are employed, others are unemployed. There are young women in rural and urban environments. Whilst some young women and men live with their parents, some do not. Many young women and men are themselves parents, including those who are single mothers. Some young people are disabled whilst others have been the victims of abuse or mistreatment.

The legacy of apartheid affects all young people. However, young black people have borne the brunt of many repressive and constraining policies and, as a result, are facing greater degrees of disadvantage. Thus, the National Youth Policy endeavours to provide a means whereby the development of a wide range of young women and men can be promoted in response to their social or economic circumstances. In addition, the Policy recognises there will be a requirement to segment the age category of "youth" so as to more accurately address the issues of particular groups. For example, the issues faced by males and females aged 16 to 24 years are likely to be quite different than those who are 28 to 35 years.

It should also be recognised that the term "youth" has a range of meanings and connotations within the South African social, cultural and political context. Since the "youth uprising" of 1976 and the subsequent mobilisation of young women and men against apartheid policies and racial oppression, the term "youth" has represented a potent and important element of the political struggle. It has also been used to characterise a segment of the population seen as violent, unruly, undisciplined and underdeveloped. The National Youth Policy recognises the context in which young women and men live is changing rapidly. The challenge is to provide an environment and means whereby the concept of "youth" is re-defined. Young women and men need to find a new place in society; one which enables them to develop fully as individuals and as citizens, where their personal and collective efforts contribute to society and the reconstruction and development of their communities and the country as a whole.

Whilst recognising the historical, political and contemporary uses of the term “youth” in South African society, the National Youth Policy employs the term “young women and men” or, alternately, “young men and women”. This terminology emphasises the heterogenous character of the youth sector in a gender-sensitive and inclusive manner. The diversity and uniqueness of young people is emphasised in these terms, rather than encouraging a uniform view of young people.

Finally, when defining a young person it is important to recognise the broader policy environment and the views of other policy documents. The White Paper on Social Welfare (1997), for example, defines a young person as a women or man aged from 16 to 30 years. Whilst the Child Care Act (1983) defines a child as a male or female aged from 0 to 18 years. The National Youth Commission Act (1996), which directs the work of the National Youth Commission, uses the definition contained in this policy (i.e. 14 to 35 years of age). Clearly, there is a need for harmonisation across policies on these matters. The issue of age and the rights given to males and females at certain ages also contains apparent inconsistencies. These matters will be addressed later in the policy.

The National Youth Policy recognises the many influences of society which have shaped the situation and experience of young men and women today. These historical legacies and contemporary circumstances can only be described briefly in a document such as this, yet such factors play an important role in defining the needs, opportunities, aspirations and challenges of young people.

Research used in the National Youth Policy has been drawn from a number of sources. However, it is clear that one of the greatest challenges facing youth organisations and youth development programmes is the need for current research into the needs and circumstances facing young men and women. The paucity of detailed research specific to the circumstances of young women and men has been one of the alarming findings in the process of formulating a National Youth Policy. Thus, the need for further investigation and analysis into the situation facing young people is a major priority.

The major issues relating to young women and men in South Africa today are described as follows:

• the demography of young women and men;
• provincial distribution of young men and women;
• education and training;
• youth employment and unemployment;
• youth health; and
• crime and violence.

It is recognised that these do not represent an exhaustive list of historical or contemporary issues. However, both the analysis of existing research and the outcomes of broad consultation with young men and women and youth development agencies, have determined the high priority and immediacy of these issues.

Young women and men aged between 14 and 35 years were found by the October 1995 Household Survey, to comprise 16.2 million people, representing 39% of the population. Of this group, 49.5% are male and 50.5% female. A more detailed investigation into the profile of young men and women indicates that close to a half, or 43%, are aged from 14 to 21 years. Table 1, below, provides further detail on age distribution.

Of the total population of young women and men, 77% are African, 11% White, 10% Coloured, and 3% Indian.

In the last few years it has been estimated that there are some 3.5 million young women and men in South Africa who are considered "marginalised". Whilst the concept of marginalisation has subsequently been found problematic, there is value in appreciating the extent to which young men and women are facing difficult and debilitating circumstances. Four degrees of marginalisation have been defined. "Fine", referring to those young women and men who are fully engaged with society and require no direct support, although peer education and leadership courses have been recommended for this group as a remedial support measure. It is estimated that 25% of young men and women are in this category. Young women and men categorised as "at risk" are those who are functioning fairly well, but showing signs of alienation in some areas. It is estimated that 43% of young people are in this category. Some 2.8 million (or 27%) young people are considered to be "marginalised", referring to those young men and women who are alienated from society in a number of social and economic spheres – covering "twelve dimensions of concern". Finally, there are those young women and men who scored high on nearly all of the "twelve dimensions of concern". This group were previously referred to as "lost". However this term denies the circumstances within which these young men and women are required to live and is, therefore, not a term used or, indeed, promoted by the National Youth Policy. It is estimated that 5% of young women and men (some 500,000) are in this category.

It is clear that young people are not a homogeneous group. They reflect a diverse range of types and contain sub-groups with specific needs and with particular areas of vulnerability. The National Youth Policy recognises this diversity and endeavours to focus on the specialised needs and circumstances of certain groups of young women and men when necessary.

It is estimated that 53% of the entire South African population live in formal urban areas. This is a rise from 47% in 1960. A large majority, or 70.1%, of the urban population, of all ages, live in the four metropolitan centres of South Africa; 14.8% live in large towns and 15.1% in small towns. Of the rural population, 79.3% live in the former homelands, while the remainder live in commercial farming areas.

The distribution of young men and women across the provinces is uneven. The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng contain the highest number of young women and men, whereas the Northern Cape, the Free State and Mpumalanga contain the fewest. These features are illustrated in Table 2, below:

The high variation in distribution patterns of young men and women across the provinces can be attributed, to a large extent, to migration from one province to another. Gauteng Province, for example, appears to attract young people, particularly young men, in search of employment or new lifestyle opportunities. As a result those provinces with a lesser number of young people have a higher representation of young women and younger people (e.g. 14 - 21 years), whereas those provinces where young people are more prominent have more males and a higher proportion of the older age cohort (i.e. 26 - 35 years).

The Ministry of Welfare and Population Development in its Draft White Paper for a Population Policy (October 1996) has indicated that the rate of internal migration has been very high and has been a consequence of the forced removals of African people from commercial farms to the homelands from the 1960s until the early 1990s, and the continuing migrant labour system. As will be shown later, the provincial patterns of distribution of young women and men are reflected in data related to education, training and employment. Thus, movements of young people into and out of provinces is a consequence of a range of inter-related factors – historical and contemporary.

The October 1995 Household Survey indicates 72% of young women and men were living in formal dwellings, whilst 19% in traditional rural dwellings, seven per cent in informal settlements, and two per cent in hostels. Where the entire population of young white women and men lived in formal dwellings, only 64% of young black men and women could be found in these dwellings. The remaining population of young black people were found in traditional rural dwellings, comprising 26% of young black women and 22% young black men, and informal settlements where 9% of young black men and nine per cent of young black women could be found.

As with provincial migration, the living conditions for young men and women appears to change with age. The October 1995 Household Survey found 25% of young people aged 14 to 17 years lived in traditional rural dwellings, whilst only 14% of those who were 30 to 35 years of age were found in such settings. Likewise, hostel dwelling was found to involve more young people aged 30 to 35 years (4%), than those aged 14 to 35 years (1%).

The Department of Education has estimated that in 1996 there were 2.2 million "pre-employed" students enrolled in senior secondary schools, technical colleges, youth colleges, community colleges and distance education.

Table 3, below, provides a racial and gender breakdown on educational attainment by young people aged 14 to 24 years, and those aged 25 to 35 years. This table demonstrates the manner in which young women (14 to 24 years of age) generally outperform young men of the same age, regardless of race (although among Indian young people the difference is not so great). In the older age cohort (25 to 35 years of age) this trend is reversed.

Almost a quarter of African men (23%) have received no formal education at all, compared with 16% of African women. Conversely, 16% of African women have matric or higher compared to 20% of African men.

In terms of basic literacy, which can be measured by the completion of Grade 3, 22% of all women aged 25 to 35 years and 16% of all young men in this age category can be considered to be functionally illiterate.

Gauteng and the Western Cape have the highest proportion of young women and men who have undertaken additional studies since leaving school as well as the lowest proportions of those who have no formal education. This can be compared with provinces such as North West and the Northern Cape where the highest proportion of young men and women have only achieved some level of primary education or have no formal education.

Table 4, below, provides an overview of engagement of young people in education, employment and unemployment, based on the October 1995 Household Survey. As may be expected, the greatest number of young people are students. However, this profile changes as specific age cohorts are assessed. For example, 97% of young people aged 14 to 17 years were studying in October 1995, whilst 31% of those aged 22 to 25 were employed full-time. The employment figure rises with age: 46% of those aged 26 to 29 years, and 55% of those aged 30 to 35 years were found to be in full-time employment at this time.

When considering the rate of unemployment amongst young women and men in South Africa, the above table cannot be used. A rate for unemployment is based upon the percentage of young people who are unemployed within the economically active population, which excludes students and those categorised as "unavailable for employment", such as housekeepers and those permanently unable to work. Thus, in October 1995, the overall unemployment rate for young men and women in South Africa was 43%. This figure represents 29% of the total adult population of South Africa.

30% of the young unemployed have been out of work for one year, 21% have been out of work for two years and a further 15% have been unemployed for three years.

Table 5, below, indicates the variations in employment based upon race and sex. Clearly, young black women, followed by young black men are the most disadvantaged in terms of employment, although young women are consistently worse off than their male counterparts within every racial category.

The racial and gender imbalances in unemployment reflect those of employment. Table 6, below, shows how young African women feature highly amongst the unemployed, followed by young African men. Again, young women are clearly more disadvantaged than young men within any racial categories.

Table 7, below, shows the provincial variations in employment and unemployment, where the provinces of Northern Province, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga have been found to have the highest levels of youth unemployment and the lowest levels of full-time employment amongst young women and men.

The issue of access to health care in the provinces is further borne out by the time a young man or woman takes to reach these facilities. See Table 8, below.

The above table shows the provincial disparities of access; over half (53%) of young women and men in the Western Cape are able to reach a medical facility in less than 15 minutes, as are almost half of the young people in Gauteng. This compares with approximately half of the young men and women in KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Province who are required to travel for more than one hour. Not shown in the above table, but just as pertinent is the racial divide of health access. Almost all young White (95%) and Indian (93%) women and men are able to access health facilities within 30 minutes, whilst only 61% of young Black men and women can do so, and 84% of young Coloured people.

It has been estimated that the average age of people committing crime is reducing; where it was 22 years in 1988, in 1990 it had dropped to 17 years. The emergence of gangs in townships as a result of youth marginalisation has added a new sub-culture and dimension to youth violence and crime. Other forms of violence that have been found to increase are domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape.

The historical and contemporary issues facing young women and men in South Africa are acknowledged each year on 16 June as Youth Day. This is a day when the contributions of young people to the struggle for freedom are acknowledged and the loss of many young lives commemorated. It is also a day when the key challenges and struggles of young women and men today can be given greater public profile. Youth Day is a day of national importance. Not only because it commemorates the past, but because it allows all South Africans to look to the future and the role young men and women play in the reconstruction and development of the country.

2.5 Background to the development of youth services

Prior to the democratisation of South African society in the 1990's, youth development occurred within a context of political, social, economic and cultural oppression. This situation contributed directly to many of the current dilemmas young women and men now find themselves in. The apartheid Government did not address the development needs of young men and women as a specific category. The particular needs, challenges or opportunities faced by young people were either ignored, or not considered important enough to warrant more focussed policy or programme interventions.

The non-government sector has been the most active in terms of the history of youth development. In most cases youth development involved political mobilisation and identification within this sector. Many international agencies and foreign countries supported youth services and development through non-government and community-based agencies.

Since April 1994, the Government has undertaken initiatives to address the specific needs of young men and women. The establishment of the National Youth Commission represents a major commitment by Government to treat the needs of this sector in a serious and comprehensive manner. Indeed, the formulation of the National Youth Commission was a direct response to the recommendations of a Youth Summit convened by the Deputy President, Mr T. Mbeki, in December 1994. Representatives of all major youth organisations called for the establishment of a Commission which would serve to highlight the situation of young women and men whilst developing appropriate policies and strategies for intervention. The creation of the National Youth Commission represented a significant milestone for youth development. It highlights the need for Government (central, provincial and local) to work cooperatively with non-government and community sector agencies in the design, implementation and monitoring of youth development programme and services.

The National Youth Policy recognises the broader policy context in which it has been formulated and shall operate. This policy context is largely shaped by broader national policy initiatives and is also reflective of international programmes and conventions. In particular, the following:

The Constitution sets a broad policy context for the National Youth Policy. Of particular importance are the Bill of Rights and the powers, functions and responsibilities given to Provincial Legislatures and Local Government. The importance and roles of traditional leaders is also outlined in the Constitution and is recognised by the National Youth Policy.

Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP)

The RDP was the response of the new democratic government to demands for socio-economic reform – a programme of hope, with a commitment to people and the development of communities at its heart. The RDP set new priorities for development which could be measured in terms of improvements to the quality of human life.

Government approved the GEAR Policy in June 1996 as a macro-economic framework for development. There are many features of the GEAR Policy which have influenced the direction and strategies of the National Youth Policy. These include the commitment by Government to job creation through a more competitive and faster growing economy, the transition to greater flexibility and productivity in the labour market, and the investment by business in training and development initiatives.

In addition to setting the mandate for the National Youth Commission and its scope of work, this Act defined the age of a young person from 14 to 35 years.

The Masakhane Campaign promotes a set of values and ideals which are entrenched in the National Youth Policy. These include, amongst other things, the creation of a culture of learning and the development of partnerships between government, communities and the private sector.

South Africa, as a member of the United Nations has agreed to work towards achievement of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations which enable young men and women to enjoy full participation in the life of society. Charter principles include the attainment by young women and men "of an educational level commensurate with their aspirations; access to employment opportunities equal to their abilities; food and nutrition adequate for full participation in the life of society; a physical and social environment that promotes good health and protection from disease and addiction and that is free from all types of violence; human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or any other forms of discrimination; participation in decision - making processes; and places and facilities for cultural, recreational and sports activities to improve the living standards of young people in both rural and urban areas".

The United National World Programme of Action for Youth is aimed at ensuring the well-being of young women and men and their full and active participation in the society in which they live. Its principles and purpose have helped to inform the National Youth Policy at many levels. Further details on this programmes can be found in Appendix 4.

The National Youth Policy recognises the work of the Commonwealth in the support of national youth policies in all Commonwealth countries and its efforts towards creating societies where young women and men are empowered to develop their creativity, skills and potential as productive and dynamic members. Where the full participation of young women and men at every level of decision-making and development, both individually and collectively, are fostered. In addition, the following principles and values for youth development are recognised:

• Gender inclusive development – a commitment to implementing the 1995 Commonwealth Plan of Action on Gender and Development which focuses on the dual objectives of increasing women’s participation as well as integrating gender concerns in all activities.
• Empowerment – a commitment to equity and access to resources in achieving equality and participation in decision making and action regardless of gender, geographic location, social, cultural or economic circumstances.
• Human rights – a commitment to extending the benefits of development within a framework of respect for human rights. Democracy, development and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
• Sustainability – a commitment to sustainable development and the alleviation of poverty through philosophies and actions espoused in the Harare Declaration (1991).
• Integration – a commitment to the integration of the concerns, issues and aspirations of young women and men into the mainstream of all local, provincial, national and international activities.