Celebrating International Youth Day: Empowering young urban women in a green economy

Chennai, Aug 14, 2023. ActionAid Association, a global agency, collaborated with the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission to organize an event titled "Celebrating International Youth Day: Empowering Young Urban Women in a Green Economy." The initiative aimed to bring positive change to the lives of young urban women and was held at the State Human Rights Commission premises in Chennai on August 12th.

Urban women face numerous challenges, including limited job opportunities, economic exclusion, and barriers to education and healthcare due to societal structures. Additionally, factors like caste and religion further increase vulnerability. On August 12th, distinguished individuals from various fields gathered at the State Human Rights Commission to address these pressing issues affecting young women in society.

Justice S. Bhaskaran, Chairperson of SHRC, emphasized the importance of women's safety and education's pivotal role in ensuring it. He asserted, "Basic needs must be fulfilled; it is a fundamental human right". 

Smt. A.S. Kumari, Chairperson of the State Commission for Women, highlighted the adverse effects of child marriage on young girls' well-being and proposed a collaborative pilot study with ActionAid to tackle this issue.

Smt. Jeyashree, IPS, Superintendent of Police (Crimes against women and children), stressed raising awareness about marginalized children's vulnerability and the need to protect them from online abuse. The police department, in collaboration with ActionAid, is planning proactive steps to ensure their safety.

Esther Mariaselvam, Associate Director of ActionAid Association, presented essential policy recommendations tailored to young urban women's challenges. She underlined the significance of a dedicated state-level youth policy and an exclusive policy for young urban women. The association plans to present these recommendations to the Youth Ministry, with support from the State Commission for Women, to influence empowering policies.

In Chennai, the Perumbakkam resettlement site has been a hub for this intervention for over a decade. Many young women there have overcome obstacles to secure college admissions and respectable jobs, contributing positively to their communities.

The International Youth Day celebration at the State Human Rights Commission recognized the achievements of ten young women who triumphed over adversity to gain admission to government arts and science colleges.

The event's aim was to acknowledge these remarkable achievements and present a manifesto to government authorities, advocating for the rights of young urban women. These recommendations are intended to be incorporated into the political manifestos for the upcoming 2024 elections.