A Regional dialogue on Young Women's Political Participation, organized by the Canadian High Commissions in South Asia in collaboration with Hashtag Generation and the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka was held on the 7^th of February at FPA headquarters. It was organized under the purview of the Public Affairs, Policy and Advocacy Unit.

The meeting brought together young women leaders from Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka together for discussions on the role of women and youth as agents of change, through leadership and meaningful participation in political and social structures and processes, enabling them to realize their full potential and contribute to their community and country.

The panelists comprised Deputy Minister Hon. Dr. Sudarshani Fernandupulle ,  
Ms. Jeevanie Kariyawasam (Former member of the Chilaw Urban Council) , Ms. Mathini Nelson Member of Point Pedro Urban Council (Hashtag Generation Trainee) and Ms. Prabodi Senani – Young activist (Hashtag Generation Trainee) who shared issues relating to young women’s political engagement and the challenges they face in their sphere of work.

Such a regional dialogue highlights the importance of both women and youth leadership and the need for their active and equal participation in decision making at all levels, particularly in peace building and state building processes. Statistics show that today’s generation of young people is the largest the world has ever known and one in every three people is under the age of thirty.

Globally women and youth are too often not at the table.  With regards to this, in a statement, the Canadian High Commission said “They are grossly under-represented at all levels of governance and in decision making processes.  Women are not only under-represented as voters but also in leadership positions whether in elected offices, the civil service or the private sector”.

The event concluded with delegates from Afghanistan, Maldives, Bhutan and India speaking about their country's political and social context and their own inspirational stories of social change which they were a part of, which served as a source of encouragement to all the participants who were challenged to continue their work as women leaders working on gender, rights and political participation 

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