Global Poverty Project’s partnership with the Mara Foundation led to this commitment announced on the Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day stage.

WHAT'S THE ISSUE?

Worldwide, youth account for 40% of unemployed people. In developing regions, as many as 60% of young people are either without work and not studying, or engaged in irregular employment. These figures don’t even include the number of young women who don’t enter the workforce. Far too many young people don’t have the opportunity to gain an education that leads to work. By starting off their careers this way, these youth are set up for a lifetime of financial insecurity.

Moreover, work that generates income is often hard to find in areas where poverty is prevalent such as parts of Uganda and Tanzania. Obtaining support for business development can be particularly challenging for women and young people.

HOW DID GLOBAL CITIZENS RESPOND?

18,000 global citizens submitted their visual petition in support of youth through the #showyourselfie campaign, and your call was heard by world and business leaders alike. At Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day businessman Ashish Thakkar of the Mara Group and Mara Foundation committed to reach 5 million women and youth entrepreneurs over the next 5 years.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

When this commitment is fulfilled by 2020, 5 million more women and young people are set to be affected through training and mentorship that will enable them to run their own sustainable businesses.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Global Poverty Project will continue to work with Mara Foundation and other partners, business leaders and governments to support women and youth through investments that empower young people. Our goal is to enable women and youth globally to have access to employment skills and opportunities so that they can lead productive lives and build thriving economies for their communities.

Only by strongly investing in young people can we pave the way towards a world without poverty.