One fifth of the population in South Asia is between the ages of 15 and 24.
India alone has some 200 million young people.
This is the largest number of young people ever to transition into adulthood, both in South Asia and in the world as a whole.
Not addressing the issues young people face today can result in adverse economic, social and political consequences.
Governments and policy makers across the region are looking at youth issues, mainly education and employment, and their impact on the countries’ development.
The World Bank is devoting the next edition of its annual World Development Report to the state of youth in the world.
Youth Consultations in South Asia
Unemployment
Youth unemployment is an acute problem.
Young adults account for half of the unemployed.
They are also six times more likely to be jobless than older workers.
One reason for such large unemployment rates is because formal job growth hasn't kept up with economic growth in most countries.
Another reason is a mismatch in skills between those demanded by employers and those acquired in school. A lack of job opportunities for young people constrains further economic growth for South Asian countries.
Education
Literacy rates among young people are low in all countries, except in Maldives and Sri Lanka.
On average, only 62% of young women can read and write (compared to 77% of young men).
These statistics make South Asia the region with the largest gender gap in literacy in the world.
High Risk Behaviors
Knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases and safe reproductive health practices is poor among youth in the region. Yet, young people are increasingly engaging in high risk behaviors.
40% report having unprotected sex.
Half of all abortions are performed in unsafe conditions.
50% of HIV infections are believed to be in the 15-24 age group.
Tobacco use is becoming common among youth.
Almost half of Nepali youth aged 15-24 smoke cigarettes. And a survey of school students in India found that 17.5% of 13-15 year-old students used tobacco in some form.
Young women
Young women face additional problems.
Many are malnourished. More than 80% of adolescent girls suffer from anemia.
Social pressures force young women into early marriage and child bearing. Teen mothers are twice as likely as older women to die of pregnancy-related causes. Their children are at higher risk of illness and death.
Girls and young women are increasingly becoming victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Girls in rural areas are especially vulnerable. They come from poor households and from communities where the knowledge about the trade in humans is not widespread. Little is known about the extent of this problem and its social and economic costs.
RSS