Voiceless visions: youth civic and political participation in the MENA region – a decade in review

This chapter presents a systematic review of literature from 2010 to 2022, examining youth civic and political participation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It uncovers a complex array of challenges, including political apathy, high youth unemployment rates, particularly among women, and the paradox of high education levels not translating into employability, a phenomenon termed “graduation unemployment.” Cultural norms and social expectations further exacerbate gender disparities in the labor market. The review highlights political disillusionment among youth, marked by distrust in political institutions and fear of reprisal, leading to widespread political apathy. This is compounded by economic challenges, where the large public sector distorts labor market dynamics, and cultural factors limit women’s participation in both politics and the workforce. The chapter emphasizes a rights-based approach to youth policy, advocating for a paradigm shift that sees youth as individual rights-holders with unique needs and aspirations. It calls for a multi-stakeholder strategy involving governments, civil society, and educational institutions to foster inclusive youth participation. Theoretical contributions of this chapter offer new insights into youth civic engagement and serve as a reference for future research. It suggests exploring gender’s role in shaping youth participation and the need for longitudinal studies to evaluate the long-term effects of policy interventions. This comprehensive analysis aims to guide policymakers in creating effective strategies for youth empowerment in the MENA region.