Why Do We Exist?

The Karta Initiative exists to address the profound inequalities in education, skill development, and employment opportunities faced by young people in the Global South, particularly girls and young women from marginalized communities.

There are over 1.2 billion young people globally, with a significant portion residing in the Global South. However, they face systemic barriers that perpetuate cycles of marginalization:

• Education Gaps : Over 60% of children in low-income countries fail to achieve basic proficiency in reading and math (World Economic Forum). In higher education, less than 10% of young adults in these regions access tertiary education compared to 70% in developed nations (UNESCO).
• Gender Inequality : Girls and young women face compounded challenges, from lack of access to education to discrimination in employment opportunities. youth.
• Employment Barriers : Youth unemployment in the Global South often exceeds 30% (ILO), with many navigating informal or underemployment. Young women are further disadvantaged due to lower wages and limited access to decent work.

These challenges result in a massive loss of human potential, with young people unable to contribute to their communities or fulfill their aspirations.

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The Karta Initiative exists to change this narrative. We believe in aligning potential with opportunity, bridging these gaps by:

• Empowering youth with 21st-century skills.
• Enhancing access to quality higher education.
• Facilitating meaningful employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Building networks and social capital to enable long-term success.

By addressing these disparities, The Karta Initiative aims to break the intergenerational cycle of marginalization and uplift entire communities, fostering a future where every young person has equal opportunities to thrive.