Unseen Influence: Young women’s agency in West African Youth Civic Organizations

• In Event: Gender justice, girls’ education, and agency in diverse African communities

Proposal

This study examines the paradox of young women's involvement in West African youth civic organizations, specifically Hip-Hop and Zouglou organizations like Y'en a Marre (YEM) in Senegal and FESCI in Cote d’Ivoire–by exploring how seemingly marginalized young women actively contribute to social and political change in West Africa, despite societal fractures that often relegate them to the sidelines. Despite their seemingly invisible roles, young women demonstrably wield significant influence within groups like Y’en a Marre (YEM) and FESCI. The study reveals a profound paradox: despite the male-dominated nature of these youth civic organizations, reflecting broader "African mentalities" that assign women to traditional roles (Sophie, 2018), young women demonstrate significant, albeit often unacknowledged, influence. For instance, while core leadership in YEM featured few women, many were deeply involved in local branches ( esprits), challenging the notion of their submission. Similarly, FESCI’s "amazons" were critical female "soldiers" bringing a "gentle and unique" approach to activism (Siaba, 2018), exemplifying how women carve out spaces for influence even within organizations that at times minimize their autonomy.

Through an analysis of participant narratives, this study reveals that women, despite their vital contributions—face significant barriers to leadership and visibility. This analysis problematizes Hip-Hop’s dichotomy as both a force for social justice and a culture that marginalizes women (Rose, 1994). The study further emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge women's "significant and meaningful contribution to the conceptualization and mobilization of these organizations," even when their presence appears minimal (Davis, 1990). The ongoing efforts of organizations like YEM to boost women in leadership roles, despite challenges like Sophie's initial shyness, signify a conscious attempt to bridge these societal divides through organizational restructuring and nonformal education on gender equality. By exploring the experiences of young women within these youth movements, this research provides crucial evidence for understanding the barriers to women's and girls' full participation and leadership in social and political spheres in West Africa, offering insights relevant to strategies for breaking barriers and building futures through culturally relevant praxes.

Author

• Noella Binda Niati, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge