The active participation of citizens in assessing, decision-making, and following up on public issues is essential to ensuring social accountability. In a democracy, the state must listen to its people, and citizens—especially the youth—play a critical role in holding the government accountable. Historically, young people have led the fight against injustice and oppression, as demonstrated by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement of 2024. However, their absence in decision-making spaces has been a notable gap in efforts to achieve sustainable social accountability.
In response to this, Youth for Policy recently held a capacity-building training program aimed at empowering young leaders to promote social accountability in their communities. The event brought together 22 enthusiastic participants from 10 districts, eager to learn how to apply the principles of social accountability to address challenges at the grassroots level.
The training focused on equipping participants with the skills needed to identify community problems, develop innovative solutions, and encourage local engagement. They were introduced to stakeholder analysis, where they learned how to strategically engage key individuals and design approaches for inquiry and evidence collection. By gathering actionable evidence, participants will be better positioned to advocate for change and bridge the gap between policymakers and the communities they serve.
The program included interactive group activities and practical exercises, giving participants hands-on experience in community mobilization. A key theme throughout the training was the importance of youth inclusion in public policy at both local and national levels. The sessions empowered young leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to organize local youth groups, amplify their voices, and push for meaningful policy changes.
After the training, participants will take part in youth-led social audits as part of their social accountability efforts, ensuring their inclusion in public policy decisions. They will help co-create the tools needed for these audits, which will guide their future advocacy efforts in addressing local issues. Equipped with the skills to make a lasting impact, these young leaders are now ready to advocate for transparent and accountable governance, ensuring the voices of youth are heard clearly in decision-making processes.
This initiative reaffirms the belief that when young people take the lead, they can be a powerful force for change, contributing to a more just and accountable society.