ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE
Economic governance is a multifaceted thematic area that revolves around the pursuit of fairness, equity, and equality within economic systems. It addresses the imbalances, disparities, and structural inequalities that can emerge due to various factors such as income gaps, wealth concentration, discrimination, and unequal access to resources and opportunities. At its core, economic justice seeks to create a socioeconomic landscape where everyone has the chance to thrive and lead a life of dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Sustainable Jamii has one of the central objectives of economic justice which is to rectify income inequality. Income inequality is a pressing concern in many societies, where a small segment of the population holds a disproportionately large share of the income, leaving others with limited economic prospects. We advocate for policies and measures that promote a more equitable distribution of income. This might involve progressive taxation systems, minimum wage laws, and social safety nets to provide a safety cushion for those facing economic hardships.
Access to basic necessities is a fundamental aspect of economic justice. In an equitable society, we believe that every individual should have access to essentials like healthcare, education, housing, clean water, and adequate nutrition. Economic justice endeavors to eliminate disparities in access to these basic needs, particularly for marginalized communities. This can involve advocating for universal healthcare systems, affordable housing initiatives, and programs that ensure access to quality education regardless of socioeconomic status.
1. Access to Justice
Sustainable Jamii has equipped access to justice as a fundamental pillar of economic justice, as it empowers individuals to navigate and challenge economic systems that may disadvantage them.
Access to justice within the context of economic justice is a critical aspect that ensures individuals and communities have the means to address economic inequalities, seek remedies for injustices, and uphold their rights within economic systems. It encompasses the right to a fair and impartial legal process, the ability to challenge economic disparities, and the opportunity to hold institutions and individuals accountable for actions that perpetuate economic injustices.
Access to justice also facilitates the participation of marginalized and vulnerable populations in economic decision-making processes. When individuals have the means to voice their concerns and challenge unjust economic policies, they contribute to shaping a more inclusive and responsive economic system. This empowerment of marginalized voices helps address systemic biases and ensures that economic policies consider a broader spectrum of perspectives.
Sustainable Jamii empowers individuals to challenge economic inequalities, demand accountability, and participate in economic decision-making processes. By providing avenues to address economic disparities, hold economic actors accountable, and promote inclusivity, access to justice contributes to building more equitable and just economic systems.
2. Financial Literacy among the Youth
Financial literacy among today's youth is a pressing concern. Many young individuals lack essential knowledge about managing money, budgeting, and making informed financial decisions. This deficit can lead to debt, poor credit, and limited economic opportunities. To address this, comprehensive financial education programs should be integrated into school curricula and community initiatives. Empowering youth with practical skills like saving, investing, and understanding credit can help them navigate the complexities of the modern financial world. By promoting financial literacy, we equip young people with the tools they need to make responsible financial choices, achieve financial stability, and build a secure future.
3. Governance and Accountability
3.1. African Youth Charter
We advocate for laws, regulations, and markets to work in favor of marginalized groups. We support our partners in their advocacy and campaigning efforts and also directly mobilize citizens, policymakers, and other relevant actors in the Eastern, Central, and southern African regions to ratify the African Youth Charter (AYC) that was endorsed on 2 July 2006 by the African Union Heads of States and Governments meeting in Banjul (Gambia). It entered into force on 8 August 2009. The Charter is a political and legal document that serves as the strategic framework for African States, giving direction for youth empowerment and development at continental, regional, and national levels. It originated from the need to address the situation of the Youth in Africa, many of whom have been marginalized by society through wealth and power inequalities, poor quality of education, limited health care, unemployment, and exposure to violence. It defines youth or young people as every person between the ages of 15 and 35 years. To take effect, African Member States need to ratify the Charter and translate the Charter's commitments into their national laws. It is an active document. Ratifications, 42 Member States have signed Charter, 38 Member States have ratified Charter and 3 Member States are yet to sign and ratify.
3.2. East African Youth Leaders Programme
Sustainable Jamii will work with youth leaders to promote greater ownership and deepen awareness about the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, SJA will work with parliaments and local governments in 4 EAC Member States to improve the representation of women, young people, and people with disabilities how they monitor actions of the executive. The ACDEG Charter commits governments, political parties, and civil society organizations in member states to uphold and promote democratic culture and practices that are accountable to the public. Parliaments and local governments are essential for effective, inclusive democratic governance and will contribute to making this a reality.
3.3. Parliamentary Support Programme
Our parliamentary support program provides Kenyan youth with a mechanism to directly engage Kenya's National Assembly in the lawmaking process through the relevant parliamentary departmental committees and the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA). Sustainable Jamii also works with other non-state actors convened under the Parliamentary Youth Forum to promote the formulation of citizen-friendly laws by parliament. Sustainable Jamii serves as the prime informant on youth issues in the Parliamentary Youth Forum.