Empowerment

WOMEN

In natural resource-dependent regions such as Africa, the overall economic, social and environmental costs of climate change are often substantial. Women are often disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change, a fact that, in turn, can exacerbate gender-based disparities.

Gender favouritism is still deeply rooted in cultures, economies, and political and social institutions around the world. Discrimination against women and girls is not only wrong but also prevents nations from moving their full potential towards an enriched and viable society.

Women have long been the source of strength, ingenuity, and innovation in society and their abundant energy and talents, when properly tapped, harnessed and channelled, can contribute immensely to the positive transformation of the fortunes of society.

For Africa to be able to move towards sustainable development and reach its objectives, it is important for African Nations to make it a priority to alleviate poverty and minimise unemployment, especially amongst women. ASCENT promises to do its part by ensuring gender issues, and women in particular, are given special consideration in project programming.

YOUTH

Africa has the most youth population of all continents. This so called youth bulge can be a great opportunity or a major threat to Africa’s sustainability. In SSA and North Africa, 40% of the population is under 15years of age and nearly 70% is under 30. When these populations enter working age, the dependency ratios are (and will continue) rising dramatically. This is a threat to sustainability and could sabotage economies if not well-managed. It is also an immense opportunity. Demographic dividend can generate 11-15% of GDP growth between 2011- 2030.

To turn this youthful population bulge into an opportunity, ASCENT works with countries towards the following:

Strengthening employment creation capabilities of countries
Formalising the informal sector (and agriculture) which employs a majority of the working population
Building and developing skills/education that will serve the labour demand from increased production.