Agenda 2063  calls for a more inclusive society where all the citizens are actively involved in decision making in all aspects and where no child, woman or man is left behind or excluded, on the basis of gender, political affiliation, religion, ethnic affiliation, locality, age or other factors. Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 calls  for “an Africa, whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children.”
Seventy-two years after the universal declaration of human rights and twenty-five years after the Beijing Declaration and plan of action  that are enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol)  there is much progress on women’s rights to be celebrated. However, the agenda is still unfinished, particularly in relation to women’s civil and political rights.
The African Union’s 1 million by 2021 initiative is  one of the activities being undertaken to achieve Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 and aims for greater inclusion and empowerment of the youth, to actively and meaningfully drive the full realisation of Africa’s Agenda 2063. This includes inspiring, mentoring and enhancing the capabilities of the current and next generation of leaders.