Youth report from CHP's Karaca: Youth unemployment has exceeded 38 percent

CHP Denizli Deputy Gülizar Biçer Karaca has shared a striking report that reveals the multidimensional crisis faced by young people. The report reveals that nearly 4 out of every 10 young people in Turkey are unemployed under the broad definition.

CHP Denizli Deputy Gülizar Biçer Karaca shared with the public the report she prepared regarding the deep-seated problems faced by young people. In the study, which evaluates data from DİSK-AR, Habitat Association, UNDP, OECD, TEPAV, TOG-KONDA, and the Student Union, it was emphasized that the youth issue has deepened to a point where it cannot be explained solely by the heading of unemployment.

The report states that problems such as young people being unable to enter the labor market at all, working in precarious and low-wage jobs, their income failing to cover their expenses, indebtedness, the weakening of their connection to education, and the difficulty of making future plans are all intertwined.

'BROADLY DEFINED YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IS 38.3 PERCENT'

In the report, which is based on DİSK-AR data, the gap in unemployment rates draws attention. While the narrowly defined unemployment rate in Turkey is 8.3 percent, the broadly defined unemployment rate has soared to 29.7 percent. In the 15-24 age group, narrowly defined youth unemployment was recorded at 15.3 percent, while broadly defined youth unemployment was recorded at 38.3 percent.

'ALMOST HALF OF WOMEN ARE UNEMPLOYED'

The report states that young women face a much more severe situation in the labor market. According to the data, while narrowly defined unemployment among young women aged 15-24 is 22.1 percent, broadly defined unemployment has reached 49.1 percent.

It was stated that young women are moving away from education and economic independence, not only due to unemployment but also by facing invisible labor due to care burdens and gender roles.

'TURKEY HAS DOUBLED THE OECD RATE IN 'NEET YOUTH''

The study, which includes data from the UNDP and OECD, states that a significant portion of young people in Turkey are neither in education nor in employment (NEET). While the NEET rate in the 15-24 age group is reported as 22.9 percent, it is stated that this rate reaches 30 percent in the 18-29 age range. It is noteworthy that the OECD average is 12.6 percent.

"94 PERCENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE THINK THEY CANNOT EASILY FIND A JOB"

According to data from the Habitat Association, the vast majority of young people believe they cannot easily find a job even if they look for one. According to the research, while 72 percent of young people in general share this view, this rate rises to 94 percent among those actively looking for work. It was emphasized that the proportion of women in the group defined as "NEET youth" is significantly higher than that of men.

'EXPLOITATION EXCEEDING 12 HOURS IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTERS (MESEM)'

The report also includes shocking assessments regarding the MESEM (Vocational Training Centers) practice. According to research by the Student Union, it is stated that some MESEM students are made to work 6-7 days a week for periods exceeding 10 to 12 hours a day. It is alleged that students are exposed to violence and precarious working conditions in the workplace.

"84 PERCENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S INCOME DOES NOT COVER THEIR NEEDS"

The research, which also sheds light on the debt and income status of young people, states that only 40 percent of young people are satisfied with their financial situation, while 84 percent state that their income does not cover their needs. Credit card debt, consumer loans, and unpaid bills have become the biggest burden for young people.

"WE ARE FACING A MULTIDIMENSIONAL CRISIS"

The study, which includes assessments from TEPAV, stated that despite the increase in the number of universities, the quality of education and employment alignment have not developed at the same pace. In the conclusion of the report, it was stated, "A diploma alone does not offer a secure future. The youth issue has become a multidimensional crisis. Young people are demanding not only jobs but also a secure life, education, housing, freedom, and participation in social life."