The Role Of State And Non-Governmental Sectors In Ensuring The Active Participation Of Girls And Young Women: The Experience Of Scandinavian Countries

Abstract

This article analyses the complementary roles of state institutions and non-governmental organisations in enabling the civic and public participation of girls and young women, using Norway, Sweden and Denmark as comparative cases. Participation is examined through rights-based and empowerment approaches that distinguish presence from real influence. Historical-institutional, comparative, normative-legal and content-analysis methods are applied to academic research, legislation and official policy documents. The findings show that Scandinavian practice is strongest when four mechanisms operate together: permanent channels for youth input, transparent public support for autonomous civil society, gender-responsive access and safety measures, and an accountable feedback loop between proposals and decisions. Norway relies on legally required local youth councils, Sweden combines administrative coordination with public grants, and Denmark draws heavily on consultative bodies and a dense network of youth associations. For Uzbekistan, the article recommends adapting these functions through girl-inclusive local youth bodies, competitive support for girl-led initiatives, reasoned official responses to youth proposals and gender-disaggregated monitoring indicators.