THE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF YOUNG WOMEN: GLOBAL BARRIERS AND STRATEGIES

The political participation of young women is vital for enhancing democratic inclusivity and promoting gender equality. However, despite increasing global awareness, young women remain significantly underrepresented in political institutions. This underrepresentation is shaped by structural, cultural, and institutional barriers, including entrenched gender norms, unequal access to education and economic resources, male-dominated party structures, and various forms of political violence. Age-based discrimination further compounds these issues, producing intersectional exclusion.This study employs a qualitative literature review grounded in feminist political theory, intersectionality, and participatory democracy to analyze the multidimensional constraints on young women’s political participation. The discussion addresses systemic exclusion, strategies of resistance, and regional variations. For example, while gender quotas and youth-oriented reforms have fostered progress in Africa and Latin America, persistent patriarchal norms and restrictions on civic engagement continue to impede representation in the Middle East and South Asia.Emerging avenues such as digital activism, youth-led movements, and transnational feminist networks offer new spaces for engagement. Mentorship and leadership development programs also strengthen political agency. Ultimately, enhancing young women’s participation requires not only legal and institutional reform but also deep cultural transformation and sustained policy commitment. Such engagement is not solely a matter of justice; it is fundamental to building more inclusive and resilient democracies.