STC Woman Authority

التالى السابق

Why STC faces challenges in empowering Women role in decision making

REPORTS - 8 month ago

Report: The Impact of Poverty, Unemployment, and Deteriorating Economy and Education on Youth Recruitment and Social Stability in the South

The South faces complex challenges related to poverty, unemployment, and the deterioration of both its economy and educational system. These factors directly contribute to social and political instability by creating fertile ground for youth recruitment into ideologically extreme religious or political groups, affecting both internal peace and regional stability. For young women, the barriers are even greater, as poverty, early marriage, restrictive customs, and lack of support for education hinder social development and impede the pursuit of social justice.

First: Factors Leading to Youth Recruitment

Poverty as a Primary Recruitment Factor

Poverty remains one of the most significant drivers that make young people easy targets for extremist recruitment. Lacking economic opportunities, young people are drawn to the financial assistance offered by these groups which exploits these economic hardships to shape young minds and influence their beliefs.

Unemployment and Lack of Job Opportunities

High levels of unemployment fuel frustration and push youth toward alternatives, even if they lie with extremist organizations. The lack of job opportunities and educational training obstructs young people's ability to build stable futures, especially as local authorities struggle to create an environment conducive to employment.

Weak Education System

The weak state of education is a fundamental barrier to fostering an aware, moderate society. The deterioration of the education sector limits youth access to knowledge that could protect them from extremist ideologies. Poor education systems create a vacuum filled by distorted ideologies, increasing the likelihood of youth joining such groups.

Political Recruitment

Some political parties, as well as religious groups exploit fragile economic conditions in the South to recruit young people for their own agendas. In many cases, financial resources are used to lure young people by offering them salaries, and material support, which deepens political and social divisions.

Second: Factors Affecting Women in Social Development

Poverty and Lack of Encouragement for Girls’ Education

Poverty disproportionately affects young women, many of whom are deprived of education due to limited resources, lack of suitable educational facilities, and low community awareness of the importance of girls’ education. This deprivation restricts girls’ opportunities to build independent lives and reduces their ability to contribute to societal growth.

Negative Tribal Customs

Traditional customs present additional barriers to girls especially customs that supported by the political parties in the government after 1994 war. In many areas, tribal customs restrict girls’ roles in society, imposing limitations on their education and employment that prevent them from achieving self-sufficiency, and often lead to early marriage—a form of exploitation that undermines their future.

Climate Crisis and Early Marriage

Social and economic pressures increase due to climate change, impacting food and water security and driving families to marry off their daughters at a young age to improve their own economic situation. Early marriage sidelines girls, making it difficult to achieve social development goals and preventing them from exercising their rights.

Third: The Effects of Poverty and Recruitment on Social and Regional Stability

Threat to Social Stability

Poverty, alongside ideological and political recruitment, fragments the social fabric, intensifying divisions among different groups and fostering extremist beliefs that weaken societal cohesion and disturb public security.

Increased Regional Tension

The rise of extremism and divisions within communities threatens regional stability, creating vulnerabilities to external interference that exploits economic weakness and the collapse of educational infrastructure, further aggravating regional crises and impacting international security.

Fourth: Recommendations for Achieving Social Development and Justice

Investing in Education

Strengthening the education sector and developing curricula will foster an aware generation resilient to extremist ideologies. This includes targeted programs to educate southern girls and engage them in diverse educational paths, empowering them to contribute to social development.

Creating Job Opportunities for Youth

Supporting the local economy and encouraging investment will help provide employment opportunities for youth, reducing the likelihood of their joining extremist or politically exploitative groups. Economic empowerment programs for youth are crucial for building a sustainable future.

Enhancing Social and Cultural Awareness

Social justice demands promoting the importance of educating girls and involving them in society, while moving beyond negative customs that hinder comprehensive development. Cultural campaigns can work to change harmful perceptions about girls' roles in society.

Supporting International and Regional Cooperation

Strengthening international cooperation in combating poverty and extremism contributes to long-term stability. International partners can provide economic and educational support to mitigate poverty and reduce youth recruitment into extremist groups by building a strategic & long term relationship with the southern authority in the south.

The economic and social challenges facing Southern citizens present a serious threat to both internal and regional stability. Investment in education and the creation of real job opportunities, in addition to increasing awareness of the importance of women’s roles, are essential steps towards sustainable social development. We call on the international community and development partners to support these efforts to foster a cohesive, moderate society, laying the foundation for a secure, stable future for the southern people.