Youths and Women Declare Unity to Champion for Marginalized Voices

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Youth and women leaders from Kenya’s Coast region have declared unity in a renewed push to confront socio-economic and political injustices affecting marginalised communities.

The declaration was made during a meeting of the Coast Youth and Women Movement (CYWM) held at Nyali in Mombasa, which brought together youth and women leaders from across the region.

The leaders said the unity was aimed at amplifying the voices of the marginalised and driving meaningful change.Speaking at a media briefing after the meeting, CYWM leader Sultan Otieno said the movement was committed to pushing for reforms that address long-standing challenges facing young people.

“We are pushing for unity and political reforms by the current leadership so that we can drive real socio-economic change in the Coastal region,” he said.

The leader noted that unemployment, drug and substance abuse, political injustices and marginalisation continue to affect the youth and require urgent attention.

“Issues affecting the youth, such as lack of jobs, drug abuse and political exclusion, must be addressed by those in power if we are to secure a better future for our region.”

He said CYWM was adopting a grassroots approach to mobilise young people and women, promote collective action and strengthen advocacy for inclusive development.

“Our movement believes in organising from the grassroots so that young people and women can speak with one voice and actively participate in shaping the development agenda of the Coast.”

The group also expressed support for the government’s Nyota Empowerment Programme saying it was already making a positive impact on the livelihoods of young people.

“We support the Nyota empowerment project because it is improving the livelihoods of young people, and we urge those seeking political office to prioritise youth-centred agendas,” Mr Otieno said.

According to him the movement was non-partisan and draws its membership from all six coastal counties.

Kwale County leader Joseph Chiwaya said the movement brings together youth from Kwale, Mombasa, Lamu, Taita Taveta and Tana River counties.

“We have declared ourselves a non-partisan movement that brings together young people from across the Coast region to push for unity and shared development,” he said.

He said unity among Coast leaders was critical if the region was to benefit fully from government development programmes.

“Young people are agitating for Coast leadership unity so that we can negotiate as one bloc and reap maximum benefits from government development initiatives,” he added.

Women leaders also called for greater inclusion in decision-making and policy formulation.

Elizabeth Jackson, a representative of women in the movement, said the voices of women and girls in the Coast region must be heard and their concerns addressed.

“Women and girls in the Coast region must have their voices heard, and their issues must be taken seriously in all spheres of leadership,” she said.

The representative urged current and future leaders to prioritise the needs of young people who are grappling with multiple challenges.

“Any leadership that comes in should factor in the plight of young people who are struggling with unemployment, social challenges and limited opportunities.”

The CYWM leaders said they would continue engaging communities and stakeholders to push for inclusive policies that address the needs of youth and women across the Coast.