Abstract

Tunisia has a large youth population; more than half of the population are youth aged between 15-30 years in 2011. Tunisia has long faced challenges adopting serious reforms for youth inclusion and participation. Young people, especially since the Arab Spring, are driving social and economic innovation, challenging policies, and representing governments. More connected than ever, young people exert a greater influence on their fellow citizens and their country and youth inclusion is a central aspect of the post-2015 global development agenda. This study seeks to determine the role of Civil society Organizations in youth inclusion by drawing on extensive literature results as well as detailed qualitative research based on extensive in-depth interviews and direct consultation with civically engaged young people, Civil society Organizations, experts in the field, funds providers and public institutions officials. In addition to a desk review that draws on the guidelines of youth involvement. This qualitative analysis is combined with an overview of the international programs that improve youth empowerment. Findings from this research and analysis form the basis of several proposals for new policies and approaches specifically focused on youth in Tunisia. Interviews were conducted with representatives from CSOs, young men and women who participated in governmental youth initiatives and are currently working in public positions. Moreover, interviews were conducted with civil society representatives and civically engaged youth after the uprising who shared their insights on the issue of youth participation in public reforms and decision-making. The analyses show noticeable regression in youth participation and progress initiatives aiming to meet their requests. This analysis shows that there were various structural adjustments and laws passed to better serve these youths’ interests and that is a promising indicator of the state's commitment to youth. However, there is a need to expand the youth representation in these initiatives through empowering civil society organizations and maintaining a comprehensive set of policies to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these efforts and the re-establishment of trust between youth and the public institutions.

School

School of Global Affairs and Public Policy

Department

Public Policy & Administration Department

Degree Name

MA in Public Administration

Graduation Date

Summer 6-8-2022

Submission Date

6-12-2022

First Advisor

Ghada Barsoum

Committee Member 1

Laila El Baradei

Committee Member 2

Noura Wahby

Extent

85 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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