The Importance of Gender Equity in youth activism

On Wednesday, June 2nd, Democracy Moves’ own Mya Watson and Joy Zawadi, the Deputy Executive Director of Kenyan organization Akili Dada hosted a joint workshop focusing on issues of gender inclusion and equity in activist circles around the world. Formatted as a discussion for all attendees to participate in, Joy and Mya lead a discussion centered on sharing experiences with gender inclusion and equity faced within members’ organizations and how to eliminate it in the future.

In particular, there was substantial discussion of eliminating exclusionary behavior like mansplaining-- when men incorrectly assume their female counterparts are unaware of a topic and explain it over them-- as well as producing programming aimed at providing spaces for women and gender minorities to build their political voices free from discrimination and mistreatment.

Mya and Joy decided to focus on this topic for the week’s workshop recognizing that gender equity in activist spaces is integral to realizing the goals that organizations seek in their activism. If we are to build a more inclusive and equitable world, it has to begin with respecting those principles in our organizations themselves. In the past and the present, people from marginalized gender and ethnic backgrounds have often been at the forefront of social change and protest movements, and in recognition of that fact it is incredibly important to ensure that they are well represented in activist organizations today.

Similarly, another critical topic the group discussed was the limitations of representation alone when it comes to achieving equity in activist spaces. It isn’t enough to just have women and gender minorities show up to actions and events-- they have to be included in the decision-making and leadership structures that help plan these events and actions in the first place. Representation is always important, but as seen here it is important that this representation is not tokenistic but rather a real desire to see women and gender minorities given an equitable position in the power structure of activist organizations. 

To this end, the panel discussed at length the work that Massive For Youth -- a program based in Uganda and represented by Kagalula Dabrine Mathew on the panel-- has accomplished. In particular, this organization has worked to provide mentorship for women and girls in rural Uganda to exercise their political voices and gain skills in leadership. 

Democracy Moves plans to keep holding conversations on gender equity going forward, as they are critical towards effectively engaging in youth activism around the world.