High Unemployment Among Young Graduates in Palestine-Alarming Rates

Introduction :

High rates of youth unemployment pose a significant threat to social and economic stability, as they can lead to increased social unrest and political instability. The negative consequences of youth unemployment extend beyond immediate financial hardship, impacting young individuals' long-term career prospects, earnings potential, and overall well-being.

Research has shown that prolonged periods of youth unemployment can have long-lasting effects on mental health, with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other psychological challenges.

Furthermore, unemployment among young people can create a vicious cycle of joblessness, leading to skills deterioration, decreased employability, and a lack of confidence and motivation in pursuing future opportunities.

Palestinian Statistics:

Official statistics recently released by the Palestinian statistics center shed light on the alarming and shocking unemployment rates among young graduates in Palestine. The national unemployment rate soared to 48% in 2022, with the West Bank witnessing a rate of 28% and the Gaza Strip grappling with a staggering 74% unemployment rate. These figures demonstrate a marginal improvement from the 2021 rates of approximately 53%, with 35% in the West Bank and 74% in the Gaza Strip. The statistics center's statement titled "Areas of Study and their Relationship to the Labor Market for Individuals (20-29 years) in 2022" reveals that male graduates (20-29 years) specializing in languages faced a daunting unemployment rate of 52%. Similarly, female graduates in the same age group experienced an alarming 78% unemployment rate when specializing in physical sciences and social and behavioral sciences.

Divergent Unemployment Trends:

While the West Bank witnessed a slight decrease in unemployment rates among diploma or bachelor's degree holders (20-29 years), the Gaza Strip observed a consistent unemployment rate in the same category. In 2022, the national unemployment rate for this group reached 48%, with the West Bank at 28% and the Gaza Strip at 74%. These figures reflect a comparison to 2021 rates of 53%, 35%, and 74% in the national, West Bank, and Gaza Strip, respectively.

Disparity Between the West Bank and Gaza Strip:

Persistent gaps in unemployment rates between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are observed across all fields of study. Notably, in 2022, the Gaza Strip registered the highest unemployment rate of 97% among individuals (20-29 years) with a diploma or bachelor's degree in social and behavioral sciences, followed by welfare at 88%. In the West Bank, the field of physical sciences recorded the highest unemployment rate at 47%, followed by social and behavioral sciences at 45%.

Educational Landscape and Job Market:

In the academic year 2022/2023, the number of applicants for the General Secondary Certificate exam reached 87,817. Concurrently, the number of Palestinian higher education institutions graduates was 46,225 in the academic year 2021/2022. Unfortunately, the local job market can only accommodate approximately 3,000 employment opportunities annually for these graduates.

Conclusion

The staggering unemployment rates among young graduates in Palestine highlighted by the recent official statistics demand immediate attention and concerted efforts. This crisis not only affects the livelihoods and futures of individuals but also has broader socioeconomic implications for the region.

However, it is essential to recognize that the ongoing Israeli occupation significantly hinders the Palestinian economy and exacerbates the unemployment crisis. Restrictions on movement, limited access to resources, and trade barriers imposed by the occupation impede the growth of industries and inhibit the creation of a thriving job market.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that includes targeted initiatives to enhance vocational training programs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and skills development aligned with market demands.

Efforts to tackle the high unemployment rates among young graduates must go hand in hand with endeavors to address the issue's root causes, including advocating for lifting restrictions, promoting economic empowerment, and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable development.