Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD)’s Post

[EVENT] HYBRID SEMINAR: IGNITING COMMUNITY VOICES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Planact is researching #participatory #democracy to investigate the avenues through which this can be strengthened and advanced. The investigation involves exploring the types of institutions that exist at community level and those structures that have been set up through #policies, #legislation and #regulations, particularly in the local #government. These are setup to enable citizens to be part of the policy-making agenda-setting process and to give expression to #accountability, #transparency and active citizenship. This seminar will be an opportunity to contribute to a deeper understanding of participation as a vital component in building vibrant participatory democracy and effective governance systems. Presenters Professor Heidi Brooks: Wits School of Governance Professor Joleen Kotze: HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council) Mmabatho Mongae: Good Governance Africa Thato Masiangoako: Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa Register to attend online or in-person: https://lnkd.in/dsKDyUv4 

Youth Day 2024: Actively Advancing the Socio-economic Gains of our Democracy On this Youth Day, we solemnly remember the bravery and sacrifice of the students of 1976, who stood against injustice during the Soweto Uprising. Their courage in the face of oppression sparked a movement that would ultimately pave the way for the democratic South Africa we cherish today. As we reflect on their legacy, let us honour their memory by continuing to fight for equality, justice, and opportunity for all. Our democracy, born from their struggle, is a testament to their indomitable spirit. Let us, the youth of today, carry forward their torch of hope and resilience, ensuring that their dream of a fair and inclusive society becomes our lived reality. #youthday #happyyouthday #june16

Now that South Africa has managed to weaken the ANC's destructive wracking ball hold on all levers of power, serious work must be undertaken by the newly elected political leaders, in partnership with civil society formations, to anchor a solid, sustainable, post-ANC African democracy that must be a true home for all, irrespective of racial, ethnic, religious, and gender identity background. Sound policies will be needed - freed from archaic dogma - to grow a prosperous, inclusive, economy over the new electoral mandate. There should be no room for self-declared constitution and rule of law abolitionists calling for a return to an idyllic, precolonial, Africa run by unelected Chiefs and Kings. https://lnkd.in/etS6WuDW

🎉🏆 A huge congratulations to our Elections and Democracy Activity (EDA) team for winning USAID Liberia's Learning and Evidence Month Case Competition! 🏆🎉 The winning case, "Messages that Motivate: Using Evidence to Promote Civic Engagement and Women’s Political Participation in Liberia," highlights EDA's innovative approach to fostering inclusive and sustainable democratic development in Liberia. Through the USAID-supported EDA, our team is making strides in promoting civic engagement and supporting women candidates by applying insights from social and behavioral science (SBS). In the lead-up to Liberia's 2023 elections, EDA collaborated with grantees to develop effective audio-visual materials, including posters, radio jingles, and community theater scripts. By leveraging SBS principles such as engaging media, social norms, and clear calls-to-action, the EDA team crafted messages designed to inspire behavior change. These efforts were tailored to the unique Liberian context, addressing key questions like what motivates citizens to vote and how to encourage strong support for women candidates. Read more about these efforts here: https://buff.ly/465hobQ This recognition underscores the importance of evidence-based messaging and the power of adapting SBS insights to local contexts. We're incredibly proud of the EDA team’s dedication to advancing democratic development and their success in using learning and evidence to drive positive change! #USAID #Democracy #CivicEngagement #WomensPoliticalParticipation #SBS #LiberiaElections2023 #EvidenceBased #LearningAndEvidenceMonth

The best part of my job: Highlighting the incredible and inspiring democratic defenders who are fighting for freedom, more inclusive and equitable governance and human rights — often at great personal cost. In the new USAID/Medium blog meet 5 Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Heroes -- Abdalla, who is promoting democratic reforms and youth participation in Tanzania; Valentina, a mayor from Moldova who is ensuring her citizens voices are heard; Lilia, who is driving innovation and reform in Armenia’s public administration; Maria, who is tackling corruption in Ecuador; and Ahid, who is supporting the right to information in the Maldives.  https://lnkd.in/eidm5ri9

🌍 Did you know? Less than 3% of political representatives globally are under the age of 30, and only 27% of parliamentarians are women. In many countries, these figures are even lower, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive political systems. The 🇪🇺-powered WYDE Political Parties project is working to address these disparities by empowering women and youth across East and West Africa to take on active roles within political parties. Through training, mentorship, and advocacy, we aim to break down barriers and ensure their voices are heard, actively shaping the leadership and decisions within political parties that influence their countries' futures. Stay tuned for more updates on how this transformative project is helping build more inclusive and democratic political environments. #WYDECommunity #WYDEPoliticalParties #InternationalPartnerships #ENoP 

Today, on September 15, the International Day of Democracy is observed worldwide. This is an important day even though democracy must be defended every day, all year around. We believe that Local democracy is a prerequisite for sustainable development, and recognising the prevailing trend for democratic reversal in different parts of the world, the importance of strengthening democracy at the local level cannot be emphasised enough. We work daily to strengthen citizens' voice and possibilities to influence issues that affect their everyday life - this is crucial to build and maintain democratic societies in a globalised world. Through our work we aim to: ◾ Support a reduction in inequality in partner countries ◾ Improve the inclusiveness of public policies and services ◾ Protect democratic freedoms and human rights ◾ Help close the gender gap in all aspects of development work and interventions ◾ Incentivise democratic participation (particularly of women, marginalised and vulnerable groups) ◾ Strengthen linkages with civil society actors ◾ Invest in protecting the integrity of public institutions and processes ◾ Strengthening democracy more broadly. ➡ Explore our global strategy to learn more about what we do to strengthen democracy in our partner countries: https://lnkd.in/de5eXKW4 #salarinternational #localdemocracy

Today, we celebrate the essence of our democracy, our shared vision for a better future. Democracy isn't just a political concept, it's a reflection of our collective aspirations and values, uniting diverse voices to shape a society where everyone has a voice and an opportunity to thrive. As we mark this day, let's recommit to active participation and civic engagement. By embracing inclusivity, fostering dialogue, and advocating for equality, we strengthen the pillars of our democracy. Together, let's continue the journey towards a more just and equitable world. In memories of our heroes past and the potential for a better Nigeria, we say, Happy Democracy Day 🇳🇬 #JGlobalProperties #DemocracyDay #UnityInDiverse #EqualityForAll #Nigeria #Labour #NLC #ActivismForChange #RealEstateInvestment #RealEstate

The history of colonization, slavery, and the fight for voting rights reflects a profound and continuous battle for equality, justice, and meaningful political engagement. For many marginalized groups, whether colonized peoples in Africa or enslaved Africans in the Americas, the fight for voting rights has been a central part of their struggle for freedom. The denial of the vote was not just a denial of political rights but a means of maintaining power and control over entire populations. Today, while there has been progress, challenges remain in many parts of the world, particularly in regions that still grapple with the legacies of colonialism and slavery. The right to vote is a fundamental human right that continues to shape the paths toward justice, equality, and democracy across the globe. #VOTE #ElectionDay #MakeYourVoiceHeard #Everyone #BlackAmerica #AfricanAmericans #Tuesday #HappyTuesday #TruthBearer #Truth #Biz #Business #SmallBusiness #BlackBusiness #VotingRights #HumanRights #Equality #Democracy #FootprintsInAfrica #Footprints #GoingTheDistance #JourneyWithMe #Africa #Advocacy #Nonprofit #Initiatives #Education #CommunityOutreach