We've been screaming and shouting at the top of our voices for far too long about this issue of Gender equality. I think it's high time we changed our focus to Age Equality.
Let's face it. About 10,000 fresh graduates hit the job market every year from different universities, colleges and technical institutions. Ironically, in almost every job opportunity advertised you'll see under the requirements column - "Must have 10 years of experience." Which begs the question, How I'm I supposed to get the experience if you don't give me the job?
It's quite frustrating, devastating and sickening when you really think about it. In a country like Kenya where more than 70% of its citizens are youths who contribute a large amount of taxes either directly or indirectly, you'd expect that they are given the priority and upper hand in terms of jobs and opportunities. But that's not the case, in fact statistics show that 77% of the unemployed people in Kenya are below 30 years. The youths are ignored by the same regime that they heavily fund and are put in the menu instead of being given a seat at the decision making table.
We've pushed the idea of two third gender-rule until it's now getting out of hand. Don't get me twisted, I have nothing against the gender rule. Only that I feel like everyone is now enlightened and understands that gender equality is a must and there'll be consequences if you don't implement it.
I believe it's time we changed our focus and started pushing what I call the Two third age rule - whereby in any organization whether private sector, public, NGOs or government institutions, two third of the employees must be youths. By using the word youth I mean, anyone who is between the age of 18 to 30. Please don't tell me that someone who is 35 is still a youth. Most people start their families at the age of 30, so why call someone's husband and father a youth?
Secondly, the issue of job experience should also be forcefully and immediately removed. Most people graduate at the age of 25 so if you insist on 10 years experience it means that only folks above 35 will be hired of which we've agreed that a 35 years old is not a youth anymore.
Let's not put the bar too high for the young people who are just kick-starting their careers. We need to have a level ground for everyone to equally triumph. As a matter of fact, the youths are the most productive, energetic with extra zeal and passion to run errands, meet deadlines and ensure success of the organizations.
Let's not pressure the young folks, they are the future generation and equally deserve a chance. If we don't consider them now, what will become of our tomorrow's generation?
I rest my case!
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