Mexican youth play an important role in the sociopolitical landscape, significantly influencing the trajectory of the country’s future. Furthermore, youth in Mexico usually experience low voter turnout, despite representing approximately a quarter of the population in Mexico (24.9% of Mexicans are aged between 15-29 years). Young people significantly abstained from the 2018 elections. Only 17% of young voters aged 18-29 voted, compared to 63.4% for the national average voters aged 30-84.
Key challenges in Mexico include critical areas in which youth can have a substantial impact, such as combating corruption. By leveraging their new perspectives and innovative approaches, young people can play a pivotal role in promoting transparency and accountability. To support this, IRI has developed the Juventud Anticorrupción program in Mexico. Through initiatives such as workshops and dialogues between youth, civil society organizations, and local authorities, IRI equips young leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to challenge corruption and strengthen state anti-corruption systems. These efforts are designed to foster collaboration and empower youth to actively engage in promoting transparency.
Education presents another challenge for Mexico, which is essential for any country’s progress. In Mexico, unequal educational quality and accessibility continue to impede growth. According to data published by INEGI in 2020, only 45.3% of the people aged 15 to 24 attend classes. Young people, particularly those aged 18 to 24, can push for reforms that promote equal educational opportunities for all. By advocating for policy changes, increased funding for underfunded schools, and improved teacher training programs, youth can help address these disparities with increased funding, schools can improve their facilities, develop their current teachers’ skills, and improve student outcomes and increase access to education, particularly in underprivileged areas.
Focusing on employment is equally crucial as many young people enter the workforce or start their own businesses. The unemployment rate among young adults aged 20-29 is approximately 76% higher than the national average, with over 700,000 unemployed in this group. This highlights the need for focused initiatives to increase employment prospects and encourage business ventures. Limited access to resources and inadequate skills exacerbates youth unemployment. Consequently, improving vocational training programs and forming alliances between academic institutions and corporations can help close this gap. Promoting innovation and economic growth through grants, low-interest loans, and mentorship programs for youth-led businesses is essential. Encouraging laws that reward employers for hiring young people and funding start-up incubators are other ways to boost employment growth. Addressing these issues can enhance economic stability and enable young Mexicans to contribute meaningfully to the economy of the country.
Civic participation is vital; a strong democracy requires active involvement. Encouraging young people to engage in civic activities, such as voting and community service, strengthens democratic institutions and instills a sense of responsibility. The 2020 ENCUCI Survey shows that only 40 to 50% of young Mexicans aged 15-29 express strong interest in national matters, significantly lower than the over-60% engagement observed among older age groups. To address this, innovative approaches like integrating civic education into school curricula, using social media platforms for political education and advocacy, and fostering youth-led initiatives and councils can be employed. Providing more opportunities for youth to engage in community planning and decision-making processes would enhance their involvement. These strategies increase youth participation and empower them to contribute proactively to their communities and democracy.
Mexico’s youth have the potential to shape the country’s future. It is essential to invest in education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of responsibility towards societal challenges. Young people must be equipped with the skills and capacity to lead. This can be achieved through mentorship programs and leadership initiatives. It is crucial to create spaces for young people to participate in decision-making, including youth councils and forums where they can offer their opinions on policies, ensuring their voices are heard. Furthermore, utilizing social media platforms and community engagement programs to amplify their voices will contribute to bridging the gap between the younger generation and the larger population. By involving youth in these efforts, it’s possible to create a Mexico that embodies the dreams of all its residents.
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