In their own words: unemployed young people on tackling youth labour market entry constraints in Botswana

Abstract

Drawing on focus group discussions with unemployed young people in Gaborone and Mogoditshane, Botswana, this paper seeks to capture the ideas of young people regarding how labour market entry constraints could be weakened to provide an enabling environment for wage employment and self-employment. The research is framed on the interpretive paradigm that conceives of youth as agents that are skilled, knowledgeable and capable of reflecting on matters that affect their existence. This is contrary to other studies of the labour market that privilege expert knowledge, presenting young people as voiceless, less knowledgeable and overwhelmed by structures. The suggested employment strategies by the unemployed youth were found to be feasible and matching expert knowledge. This justifies a call to pay attention to the voices of youth in the design of youth labour market policies and programmes. Keywords: Youth voice, labour market constraints, employment strategies, Botswana