How identity shapes job prospects for youth

For young professionals in Eswatini, ambition and qualifications are vital. But there is another factor that qui­etly shapes career opportunities: Gender identity. From the first job interview to career advancement, bias still influences who gets ahead and who gets left behind.

The subtle weight of bias

Unconscious bias remains one of the biggest barriers. Recruiters, often without realising it, carry as­sumptions about who is best suited for certain roles. For young women, this can mean interview questions about family planning, while their male counterparts are asked about career goals. These seemingly small moments can alter the trajectory of an entire career.

When pay is unequal from the start

The gender pay gap makes this challenge even sharper. A 2021 study titled Assessing Gender Gaps in Employment and Earnings in Africa: The Case of Eswatini (IZA Discussion Paper No. 14350) found that women have notably lower employment rates and earnings than men.

The gap is widest in self-employ­ment. Education and location ease some of these inequalities, but the persistence of the gap shows how much still needs to be done.

Turning challenges into change

This is not only a story of barriers, it is also a call to action. Employers must en­sure fair hiring and pay practices, create inclusive workplace cultures and move beyond token diver­sity. Transparent promotion process­es, mentorship pro­grammes and pay audits are powerful tools for change. Young professionals must also rise to the challenge by knowing their worth, research­ing salaries, building networks and chal­lenging stereotypes wherever they see them.

Bridging the gap

This is where Thubelihle.org steps in. The platform is designed to bridge the information gap for Eswatini’s youth, providing access to opportunities, online skills train­ing and digital resources that un­lock potential. By equipping young people with practical knowledge, Thubelihle empowers them not only to enter the job market but to thrive in it.

Eswatini’s future depends on how well we empower its young people today. If talent is judged on merit rather than gender, the nation will not just grow, it will thrive.

The Likusasa Letfu Youth Centre for Employability further invites all young people to follow us on Face­book, attend trainings, gain career guidance and access support for employability and entrepreneur­ship. Call 7803 3230/795 85564. Email info@likusasa.org.