Here are some key takeaways from a conversation between Alisa Zomer from the MIT GOV/LAB and Gideon Too, an Associate Vice President at Busara regarding the ongoing #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests in #Kenya; 1) The movement rejecting the #FinanceBill is unique because it has unfolded organically, spurred by online debate, and leaderless, with a focus on policy issues not individuals. Protests were organized in large part by young Kenyans and particularly #GenZ (born 1997-2012), who are social-media and tech savvy but are often politically disengaged. 2) When people are politically educated, they gain agency and become empowered to meaningfully engage in political change — not just during elections, but around policy issues. 3) Biases, conscious and unconscious, are critical in how political information is created, disseminated, and consumed; how that information moves through online and offline networks; and whether citizen mobilization takes off or is derailed. 4) Sustained citizen engagement requires constant innovation and interaction, novel ways to communicate and organize through social media, opportunities to practice and strengthen political agency, and, importantly, a government that responds to its citizens. This feedback loop is what creates accountability and a strong democracy. Find the entire Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/ddVazT2U #governance #protests #politics #democracy
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Public Affairs | Research & Communications Support | Public Policy | Clarity4D Leadership Coach | Youth Champion | MPRSK
Given the recent events in Kenya, and renewed call for accountability, this piece by Gideon Too explores the behavioural influences that have spurred the protests. As policymakers craft a response, it would be important to understand the underlying issues that are largely ignored by officials. #PublicPolicy #Kenya #GenzProtests
Here are some key takeaways from a conversation between Alisa Zomer from the MIT GOV/LAB and Gideon Too, an Associate Vice President at Busara regarding the ongoing #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests in #Kenya; 1) The movement rejecting the #FinanceBill is unique because it has unfolded organically, spurred by online debate, and leaderless, with a focus on policy issues not individuals. Protests were organized in large part by young Kenyans and particularly #GenZ (born 1997-2012), who are social-media and tech savvy but are often politically disengaged. 2) When people are politically educated, they gain agency and become empowered to meaningfully engage in political change — not just during elections, but around policy issues. 3) Biases, conscious and unconscious, are critical in how political information is created, disseminated, and consumed; how that information moves through online and offline networks; and whether citizen mobilization takes off or is derailed. 4) Sustained citizen engagement requires constant innovation and interaction, novel ways to communicate and organize through social media, opportunities to practice and strengthen political agency, and, importantly, a government that responds to its citizens. This feedback loop is what creates accountability and a strong democracy. Find the entire Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/ddVazT2U #governance #protests #politics #democracy
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Interested in learning more about the recent protest in Kenya 🇰🇪 ? Check out this Q&A with Gideon Too, Busara Associate VP and MIT GOV/LAB practitioner-in-residence, and Alisa Zomer, MIT GOV/LAB Assistant Director to understand why this moment matters more broadly for governance, youth civic engagement, and how technology is shaping social movements.
Here are some key takeaways from a conversation between Alisa Zomer from the MIT GOV/LAB and Gideon Too, an Associate Vice President at Busara regarding the ongoing #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests in #Kenya; 1) The movement rejecting the #FinanceBill is unique because it has unfolded organically, spurred by online debate, and leaderless, with a focus on policy issues not individuals. Protests were organized in large part by young Kenyans and particularly #GenZ (born 1997-2012), who are social-media and tech savvy but are often politically disengaged. 2) When people are politically educated, they gain agency and become empowered to meaningfully engage in political change — not just during elections, but around policy issues. 3) Biases, conscious and unconscious, are critical in how political information is created, disseminated, and consumed; how that information moves through online and offline networks; and whether citizen mobilization takes off or is derailed. 4) Sustained citizen engagement requires constant innovation and interaction, novel ways to communicate and organize through social media, opportunities to practice and strengthen political agency, and, importantly, a government that responds to its citizens. This feedback loop is what creates accountability and a strong democracy. Find the entire Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/ddVazT2U #governance #protests #politics #democracy
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Postgraduate Research and Teaching Assistant @ University of Cape Town | PHD Candidate
Some random thoughts around E-Democracy and E-participation: Lessons from Kenya The Kenyan protests, that were organised mostly through social media platforms by the so-called Gen-Z, has just opened up scholarly debate around the question and efficacy of e-democracy and e-participation in emerging democracies. A few lessons from the Kenyan case: * Gen-z, with all access to digital platforms, have an understanding (or at least have some level of understanding) of their rights. We thought they don't. * Gen-z actually understands, or have some level of understanding of policies and political decisions. * Within the cyber-political spaces, at least as observed from the Kenyan case, boundaries around race, tribe, and political lineages don't play as much role as compared to representative democratic spaces, at least within the context of emerging African democracies. Curiously, Kenyans from all socio-political, even racial backgrounds....self-organised and protested against what they deemed, bad law (bill?). Perhaps e-democracy holds hope for emerging democracies?
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Theories of democracy generally value citizen activism as an essential component of a healthy democratic system. Hence, people engage in protests, participate in signature campaigns, and contribute to online and offline public discourse. What happens, however, if instead of individuals, institutions or branches of government engage in activism? Consider courts, for instance. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gF34BMFc
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It is rare that research from a student master's thesis in Leiden University on protests in Romania is followed by a collaboration with doctoral research from the University of North Carolina Chappel Hill on protests in Poland and transforms into four country research on protests for democracy! But that's just what we did, with former CSM Master's student Iulia Ionita, colleague and friend @MiladaVachudova and rising academic star Courtney Blackington, PhD. Our four country study of protestors and their motivations, based on an original survey of protestors in Bulgaria, the Czech republic, Roland and Romania came out last week. We found that protestors in all four countries respond to the specific kind of challenge to democracy that the countries experienced in the last decade. And that protests were motivated by strong awareness that democratic erosion can materialize as attack on institutions, as well as as state capture and bad governance. Leiden University - Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs #democraticbacksliding #democraticstagnation #swmocraticerosion You can read the article in open access here: https://lnkd.in/egX75mwB
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#allianzfdn Study Highlights Protests are an important part of a vibrant democracy. However, less than a third of young Europeans say they have ever been part of a protest. When was the last time you demonstrated? Do you like to find out how young adults in Europe imagine and shape the future? Find the full Allianz Foundations Next Generations Study 2023: “The Movers of Tomorrow?” with these and plenty of other findings at the following link: https://lnkd.in/eGD-Wdkp #Future #YoungPeople #Opinion #GenZ #Millenials #Study #Research #Opinion #Politics #Life #Europe #ForOpenSocieties #ForGenerations Illustration by @planp_corporatepublishing
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Director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD) & Chairperson of the Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (SAHRDN).
Democracy Alert: The recent events in Kenya underscore a critical need for accountability and respect for democratic principles. We stand in solidarity with the Kenyan Civil Society in their pursuit of justice and human rights reforms. We will amplify your call for transparency, accountability, and respect for citizens' voices. Together, let's advocate for a Kenya where democratic processes are upheld and the rights of all are protected. Washington Katema CDD-Centro Para Democracia e Direitos Humanos Sheila Wilson #StandWithKenya #DemocracyInAction
📢 Democracy Alert: World Movement for Democracy calls for accountability in #Kenya after #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests. Despite opposition from Kenyan citizens, the parliament passed the bill, sparking nationwide demonstrations met with excessive force. Stand in solidarity with the Kenyan Civil Society by sharing this call for justice and human rights reforms! 📸 Simon Maina/AFP Join us: https://lnkd.in/d7UKCt9h #Democracy #HumanRights #Justice #Kenya #MoveDemocracy
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Over the last few years, in multiple countries, Such authoritarian political movements are raising their heads. Governments are trying to weaken democratic structures. The list of these countries is quite long. There were such efforts in Hungary and Brazil. The Philippines, Türkiye, In America, the government tried to establish control over the Judiciary under Trump’s governance. And Israel is the latest example. The good news is that in these countries There are many people who are willing to fight for democracy in their country. They take part in protests to defend their country’s democracy. What do you think? https://lnkd.in/gtXxCdXH
Largest Protests in History - Israel Crisis January to October 2023.
salim-insight.blogspot.com
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Recent farmers' protests disrupting highway traffic across Europe have sparked a considerable debate. While I empathize with the challenges farmers face, obstructing daily life for countless individuals disconnected from these issues is problematic. It's akin to hindering farmers' work during harvest by blocking their equipment, a direct impact on their livelihood which I would never consider appropriate. Such actions do not highlight the strength of democracy but rather expose the vulnerabilities in our political leadership. It's crucial to remember that democracy thrives on dialogue and understanding, not on disruption and inconvenience. The essence of democracy is compromised when it veers into the realm of anarchy, facilitated by a lack of decisive governance. Europe's future hinges on political leaders with the resolve to navigate these challenges without compromising the principles of democracy. It's time for a balanced approach that respects both the right to protest and the public's right to unhindered daily life. Let's advocate for solutions that address grievances without resorting to actions that harm the very fabric of our society. #Democracy #Europe #FarmersProtest #PoliticalLeadership #SocialResponsibility
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