SUMMIT FOR DEMOCRACY: WHY TZEDEK CARES AND YOU SHOULD TOO
The 9-10 December brings another world summit. This time world leaders will connect virtually at the US-led Summit for Democracy, discussing how to reduce corruption and better defend human rights.
At Tzedek, we know democracies allow individuals and groups of people to fight for social justice and change in their communities. Signing a petition, voting, formally complaining, writing to your MP, or being on a committee are all ways you can get involved in democratic processes. Our work at Tzedek promotes civic freedoms and democratic processes so those that are excluded can have a chance to shape their own communities too.
At Tzedek we are already engaging vulnerable women, young people and their communities in civil society and democratic processes within our Empowerment for Life programme (E4L) in Northern Ghana. Delivered by our partners, GDCA, Tzedek supports the programme in the Tolon District, Northern Ghana.
The E4L programme:
- Encourages young people to mobilise resources in their communities to bring about change
- Trains young people in using social media, radio and written journalism to work with their community and local government to demand change.
- Trains community-based organisations including women on making group decisions
- Informs parents on making the most of parent-teacher associations so they can use their own voices to get the best for their children’s education
- Encourages participants to form groups and apply for government grants
- Promote participation in elections and other opportunities to communicate with authorities.
If you want to find out more about how the E4L programme engages excluded groups with democratic process, you can:
- Read an article. This article was facilitated by E4L-trained community journalists in collaboration with a school PTA group, also under our E4L programme the Tolon district. This piece highlights safety concerns for teachers and students at a local school, and the impact on students’ education. The school’s PTA is calling for the local District Assembly to address the school’s challenges. A real use of democracy!
- Watch a video. Listen to Abukari’s experience as a participant in the E4L programme in the Kumbungo District. He has been trained as a citizen journalist and is now working to encourage people within his community who would otherwise be excluded to participate in projects run by the government. Tzedek supports the programme in the Tolon District.
In the UK this year we have witnessed government scandals, seen evidence of systematic corruption and discussed if the police are preventing freedom of peaceful assembly. If freedom of assembly is restricted, it will undoubtedly exclude people from participating in democratic processes and fighting against issues such as racial injustice, violence against women and poverty. Nevertheless, the UK Government has committed to support human rights defenders as a ‘force for good’, but proof remains to be seen. This summit is expected to be followed by a “year of action”, so we are especially keen to hear what world leaders have to say on our vital democracy and on who will have a voice in it.
You can watch the full Summit on Democracy here.