Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Douglas Knowledge Partners, in partnership with The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, are thrilled to announce the fourth annual Youth Innovation Prize!

Our youth essay competition is open to anyone aged 18-30 and our theme this year is “Innovations for Gender Equality.” In the words of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, “Gender equality is more than a goal in itself, it is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.”

Innovation is needed across all of these spheres to improve the lives of people of all genders. As we celebrate 30 years of democracy, we are asking young people to share their ideas and innovative solutions for achieving gender equality in South Africa.

To apply, write a 1500–2000-word essay or create a video or audio essay of 5-8 minutes about an idea you have to achieve gender equality. Entries open on 26 July and close on 18 October, and can be submitted in any official language. Read more here.