The website launch took place on 21 May 2024 at SAIIA’s headquarters in Johannesburg, and was attended by youth representatives alongside officials from the UN Women South Africa Multi Country Office and staff from the University of Witwatersrand’s Department of International Relations.
Crafted by youth leaders through the Youth Policy Committee and facilitated by Youth@SAIIA, the SA YGAP is a youth-driven policy framework aimed at fostering a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future in South Africa. This initiative serves as a guide for government entities, policymakers, civil society, businesses, academia, and other stakeholders to implement youth-led gender action initiatives nationwide.
The SA YGAP, borne out of extensive national workshops, dialogues, and conferences involving hundreds of young people from diverse backgrounds, was officially released on 25 August 2023. It was subsequently presented to officials from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office.
With the launch of the SA YGAP website, the initiative takes a significant stride towards enhancing accessibility and visibility of youth-driven gender action. The website features the SA YGAP document in English, Afrikaans and Zulu, ensuring inclusivity across South Africa’s linguistic landscape. Additionally, visitors can explore the YGAP’s seven core pillars, including Gender-Based Violence, Gender and Identity, and Gender and Sustainable Transformation.
The Youth@SAIIA team is actively engaged in community outreach, awareness campaigns, and roadshows to promote local-level implementation of the SA YGAP. The new website serves as a central repository for news, upcoming events and progress on all SA YGAP-related endeavors. It also provides a platform for individuals to contribute their insights and ideas towards advancing gender equality in South Africa. Contact details for credible helplines and support services can be found on the site.
Visit the SA YGAP website at www.saygap.org.
Enquiries:
Youth@SAIIA Team
youth@saiia.org.za
