Young women in urban areas face multiple challenges. Limited employment opportunities contribute to economic exclusion, which disproportionately affects young women, because of patriarchal values and structures in society. Stagnant, if not reduced funding on education and healthcare are placing hurdles on access to these essential public services or rights. And in a world where caste and religion have too much sway on public life, belonging to a lower caste or a minority religion adds an extra layer of vulnerability. Patriarchy plays a role in the lives of girls and women, at their homes and in public spheres – they face discrimination and even violence. It is to address this issue that ActionAid Association has been working with young women living in poverty across 13 cities across India.

In Chennai, this intervention has been located at the Perumbakkam resettlement site, and has been active for more than a decade. Many young women in the locality have come forward, despite facing difficult obstacles, gained college admissions and obtained respectable employment. In addition these young women have worked for the benefit of their communities, renovated two child care centres, and successfully advocated for and obtained women police stations.

It is to celebrate the transformative power and spirit of these young women, that on the occasion of International Youth Day on the morning of 12^th August 2023, ActionAid Association, in collaboration with Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission, is organizing “Celebrating International Youth Day: Empowering Young Urban Women in a Green Economy”, at the State Human Rights Commission, Chennai, Tami Nadu.

The event will be graced by Hon’ble Thiru. Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development of Tamil Nadu, as the chief guest. Other guests of honour include Justice S. Baskaran, Chairperson, State Human Rights Commission, Tamil Nadu; Dr. R. Ravanan, Joint Director of Collegiate Education, Chennai Region; Tmt. A. S. Kumari, Chairperson, State Commission for Women; Tmt. V. Jeyashri, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Crimes against Women and Children; and Tmt. Esther Mariaselvam, Associate Director, ActionAid Association.

This event aims at recognizing the resilience and remarkable achievements of 10 young women who have secured admission to government arts and science colleges despite facing adversity. The event will highlight the importance of empowering young women through the transformative power of education in a green economy while acknowledging their accomplishments and aspirations. Young women activists will also share their experiences and issues in the presence of government officials and advocate for continued support and opportunities for their education and empowerment. There will also be an opportunity to present the Manifesto on Young Urban Women to these officials.

The International Youth Day celebration at the State Human Rights Commission is a platform for acknowledging the extraordinary achievements of young women who have risen from the face of adversity. By presenting the manifesto to government authorities, the program intends to advocate for the rights of young.

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For more information, contact: Esther Mariaselvam| Esther.Mariaselvam@actionaid.org | 9444951927

About ActionAid Association

ActionAid Association is an organisation working for social and ecological justice. ActionAid has been engaged with the most marginalised communities in India since 1972. In 2006, ActionAid Association was registered as an Indian organisation, governed by an independent General Assembly and a Governing Board. Together with supporters, communities, institutions and governments, we strive for equality, fraternity and liberty for all. ActionAid Association works in 24 states and two union territories, with several partners and allied organisations. ActionAid Association is part of a global federation and a full affiliate of ActionAid International, that has presence in over 40 countries worldwide.