26.3% of young people in four governorates are neither employed, in studies, nor in training (Survey)

By:Mohamed Ben Abderrazek

The data paints a concerning picture of the youth population aged 15 to 29 in the governorates of Kairouan, Sidi Bouzid, Gafsa, and Monastir. A staggering 26.3% of these young individuals find themselves in a situation where they are neither employed, nor in education, nor in training (NEET). More than one in four young people in the 15-29 age group are therefore in a NEET situation.

The United Nations, in collaboration with the International Labor Organization and the United Nations Development Program, conducted a survey released on Friday, August 29, 2023, which shed light on this issue. The data revealed that Kairouan bears the highest burden with a NEET rate of 30.6%. Sidi Bouzid and Gafsa follow closely behind with rates of 29.3% and 27.7% respectively. In contrast, Monastir records a relatively lower rate at 19.5%.

Further analysis reveals that 23% of households in these four governorates have at least one member in a NEET situation. The prevalence of households with at least one NEET member is approximately 28% in Kairouan, 23% in Gafsa and Sidi Bouzid, and 18% in Monastir.

Additionally, the study indicates that unemployed NEETs make up 67.4% of the total NEET population. The remaining NEETs are divided into inactive individuals not actively seeking employment (25.8%) and those seeking employment but not immediately available (6.8%).

This situation is compounded by gender disparities, with women constituting the majority of inactive individuals actively seeking work but not immediately available. On the other hand, the unemployment rate is significantly higher among men.

The quantitative survey, conducted from February to April 2022, involved 7,177 households and included 29,597 individuals across the governorates of Kairouan, Sidi Bouzid, Gafsa, and Monastir. The selected sample comprised approximately 1,800 households in each of the four targeted governorates. This comprehensive study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the pressing challenges faced by the youth in these regions.