Five years and eleven months before the interconnected deadline of sustainable development goals set for 2030, our continent continues to face numerous and heterogeneous challenges in almost every sector, particularly in education and training. In this interview, Honorable Minister Nana Manwanina Kiumba, Special Advisor on Youth Training and Human Capital Development of the United Africa Royal Assembly shares several priorities that deserve our attention and action. Hailing from DRC, she is one of the few and most influential young female politicians on the continent. Read on to find out Minister Kiumba’s plans to address Africa’s challenges and opportunities regarding gender equality, youth participation, and holistic development.
As a female minister in Africa, what inspired you to pursue a political career, and how did your journey unfold in overcoming obstacles in a traditionally male-dominated field?
In countries where true democracy is still evolving, as in most African countries, I have always been inspired by the need for both qualitative and quantitative improvement in the political participation of young people and women. This is crucial for effective and sustainable democracy. I have admired the efforts of influential female figures (such as Kimpa Vita in DRC, Aoua Kéita in Mali, Honorable Nkosana Dlamini-Zuma in South Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Liberia, and many other strong African women) who played a significant if not exceptional, role in political, economic, and social struggles. The continuity of such actions, combined with the transmission of positive African traditional values, is essential.
Driven by the desire to promote the involvement of women and youth in public governance and decision-making in politics, my journey in a traditionally male-dominated field has never been an easy gift. Determined and persevering, active and creative, I face several challenges, constantly upgrading my skills, and continuing my struggle among men while respecting the roles of each.
In your role, how do you plan to address the unique challenges that African youth face, particularly in education, vocational training, and overall human capital development?
African youth, numbering 1.4 billion souls and expected to more than double by 2050, representing a quarter of the world’s population, is Africa’s greatest asset. This situation carries not only great potential but also challenges. To address the unique challenges faced by African youth, it is essential to reform the education system with a focus on the quality of vocational training, prioritizing innovations. Policies should center on the human being, incorporating positive traditional leadership that represents the direct will of the people and serves as the basis for political decision-making.
Emphasis should be placed on entrepreneurship, economic intelligence, scientific research, technological innovation, etc. Practically, it is necessary to draft an international policy (derived from various national policies of concerned countries) to implement the UARA objectives and a detailed general action plan specifying key themes, areas of activity, identified problems in each area, goals to achieve, activities to be undertaken, expected results, indicators, and verification sources.
It is widely acknowledged that technical and vocational education and training are promising avenues to address the challenges African youth and women face to a large extent. A substantial and qualitative increase in technical and vocational education and training is crucial to maximizing the gains from the demographic explosion of youth. New approaches must be developed to overcome the usual challenges in supply and demand, return rates, harmonization of roles between the private and public sectors, etc. African universities, in turn, must take responsibility for creating essential technical skills for Africa and refocus on endogenous knowledge systems through the Africanization of their approaches.
Gender inclusivity is a major global concern. How do you intend to promote the inclusion of women in politics and leadership roles, and what successes have you observed in this area during your career?
Inclusion recognizes that every individual is a full member of society and can participate meaningfully. It is the first condition for participation and relies on the understanding that individuals and groups are shaped by identity elements such as race, gender, social class, abilities, sexuality, etc.
To promote the inclusion of men and women in politics and leadership roles, it is necessary to:
- Facilitate their accessibility by eliminating barriers that hinder the active and effective participation of usually marginalized individuals, such as women and young people.
- Transform discriminatory attitudes and create a learning environment that constantly challenges stigmas, gender stereotypes, and prejudices against marginalized individuals. Offer opportunities by creating learning conditions that reject negativity, reinforce self-esteem, and recognize and value the experiences of marginalized individuals, contributing to their empowerment.
- Foster collaboration and create shared experiences as important learning tools. It is essential to create a participatory and safe environment that encourages exchanges and critical reflection while valuing the experiences of participants.
- Provide adapted and accessible teaching materials that meet learning needs, taking into account barriers to understanding and aiming to eliminate these barriers to allow everyone to access information and fully participate in educational activities.
Successes observed in this field during my career are related to the efforts of some African governments to promote the participation of women and young people, as well as the increased involvement of young people and women in leadership and decision-making positions in Africa. This is probably attributed to advocacy efforts and laws calling for the inclusion of women. However, there is still much to be done to achieve this goal.
How do you envision the future of African politics regarding gender equality and youth participation, and what role do you think organizations like the United Africa Royal Assembly can play in shaping this future?
Gender stereotypes are a significant impediment to the emergence of gender equality, perpetuating a conventional representation of masculinity and femininity that limits the potential of women and men. Stereotypes are deeply rooted in cultural, traditional, and religious values and belief systems, transmitted to young people through various channels such as family, religious leaders, peers, educational systems, and media.
The future of African politics in terms of gender equality and youth participation is promising. Our organizations will play a crucial role by:
- Adopting a comprehensive approach involving families, schools, political parties, youth organizations, and other civil society organizations, as well as the media.
- Implementing mechanisms to combat sexist stereotypes, including organizing large-scale and long-term awareness campaigns and bringing about social and behavioral changes in young people through traditional media, social networks, and technology.
- Conducting campaigns for gender equality through various types of organizations, including sports clubs, unions, and youth organizations.
- Ensuring the participation of young people in political life and their representation in various bodies, including imposing quotas for young women and men in parliaments.
- Ensuring the representation of young people in international bodies, including certain United Nations organs.
- Increasing funds allocated to youth initiatives and activities promoting gender equality, encouraging donors to invest in the education and entrepreneurship of young people, including through public-private partnerships.
- Creating platforms for youth participation in decision-making at local, national, regional, and continental governance levels.
- Facilitating access to information to enable young people to know their rights and the opportunities available to them for decision-making and civic life.
- Disseminating a culture of equality, combating all forms of violence, and contributing to the diversity of educational paths, are the main levers that the entire educational community, from school to higher education, must activate in teachings, educational activities, and school life.
Other activities, such as raising awareness among women, young people, and decision-makers through specialized exchange frameworks, are essential.
Can you share with us the key priorities and initiatives you are currently leading as the Special Advisor on Youth Training and Human Capital Development for the United Africa Royal Assembly?
My key priorities and initiatives naturally focus on my responsibility to support our organization in its mission to strengthen cohesion and unity within traditional leadership across Africa. I aim to support the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and sustainable development goals by promoting peace, security, good governance, and stability, specifically in education, training, and human capital development to contribute to holistic development. My goal is to participate in building a unified continent that restores the identity, dignity, and cultures of Africa, fostering peace, security, economic growth, and sustainable development.
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Nana Manwanina Kiumba is a politician from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She has been Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, since April in the Lukonde government.
