Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
United Nations estimates suggest that by 2050, 70% of India’s population will live in its cities. A considerable number will be young people in search of education, jobs and other amenities that are in short supply in their hometowns or villages. And so, it is time to start planning for a future when young people, especially women, are not hampered by a lack of information, inadequate infrastructure, unresponsive services, and poor safety from accessing spaces in cities.
Young people are critical for shaping the future of our cities. Yet, their voices remain underrepresented in decision-making. The lives of young people, especially women, in cities are restricted by sociocultural norms as well as poor infrastructure and services. This affects their right to the city, access to opportunities, and their well-being.
A project which bears mention in this regard is a joint one by Safetipin and the YP Foundation under the “Fit for the Future” programme. The project works towards empowering young people with skills and developing technological solutions to health challenges. Currently, it aims to advocate for young people’s access, ownership and well-being in urban spaces with a pilot in four cities in Rajasthan.
The project focuses on building the leadership of young women. It enhances the confidence and skills of participants with technology, data collection, and the development of indicators for gender-inclusive cities. The youth data will eventually lead to concrete schemes for gender- and youth-responsive urban infrastructure and services.
These factors will transform cities into spaces where young people can thrive. Kalpana Viswanath, CEO and founder of Safetipin says, “The live, move, grow, play (LMGP) framework encompasses young people’s experiences and expectations from the city. Our project aims to create a platform to ensure the aspirations of young people, especially women, are met.”
Workshops conducted with over 400 young people across four cities in Rajasthan found that they want to live with rights, access education, good health, a secure home and spaces to voice their needs. Women want to move around without fear. Mobility is key to accessing education, employment as well as leisure.