Creative Minds- CYCD

Globally, only 27.5% of parliamentarians are women, and just 2.8% of parliamentarians are aged 30 or under.

If democracy is to meet the challenges of the future, the political overrepresentation of men must be addressed, creating greater opportunities for young people, especially young women, to access, participate in, and drive the transformations needed.

As part of our campaign, we are spotlighting the voices, stories and leadership journeys of young women from across Africa, America and Asia through the WYDE Journey Mapping of Young Women in Politics.

From local councillors and mayors to parliamentarians, activists and community leaders, these women share what inspired them to enter public life, the barriers they have faced, and what it takes to build more inclusive and representative democracies. Their stories remind us that renewing democracy is not only about strengthening institutions. It is also about ensuring that new generations of leaders can participate, lead and drive change. When young women are empowered to engage in politics, democracy becomes more diverse, responsive and resilient.

The Journey Mapping are part of the Women and Youth in Democratic Engagement (WYDE) – Women’s Leadership Initiative, a programme funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA, UN Women, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and United Cities and Local Governments.

Watch the inspiring stories and discover how young women and men around the world are helping shape the future of democracy on the International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics YouTube channel. Link in the comments.

Welfare Officer, Onitsha South LGA, reports on their challenges.

Today, we join millions across the continent to commemorate the Day of the African Child under the theme:

"Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa."

For many African children, access to clean water, safe sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene remains a daily challenge. Yet these are not privileges, they are fundamental rights that shape a child's health, education, dignity, and future.

A child who spends hours searching for water is denied valuable learning time. A school without safe sanitation facilities can become a barrier to education, especially for girls. A community without adequate hygiene services exposes children to preventable diseases and risks.

At Creative Minds-CYCD, we believe that every child deserves to grow in an environment where clean water flows, sanitation is accessible, and hygiene is a way of life. Building resilient communities begins with investing in the wellbeing of our children and ensuring that no child is left behind.

As we commemorate this day, we call on governments, development partners, communities, and citizens to strengthen efforts towards sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) solutions that protect and empower every African child.

Because when children have access to clean water and safe sanitation, they don't just survive, they thrive.

Happy Day of the African Child.
UNICEF Nigeria Freeman Ugochi ActionAid Nigeria