Group Specific Quotas and Caucuses
Challenge
Representation through an intersectional lens in the African context refers to the authentic and equitable presence of diverse African voices, experiences, and perspectives in various spheres of life. For example, political representation would ensure diverse African groups, such as women, youth, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities, have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes and hold leadership positions. The underrepresentation of vulnerable and marginalised groups leads to a lack of diverse perspectives and needs being addressed, resulting in policies that may not adequately serve these communities.
Some of the key issues that impede the unmuting of excluded voices in politics are financial barriers. Running an election whether local or national can be costly making it difficult for those from lower-income backgrounds to participate. This can be mitigated by availing resources for those with low-income backgrounds to participate in elections. This can be done by offering grants and sponsorships to help alleviate financial burdens.
Proposal
Representation through an intersectional lens in the African context refers to the authentic and equitable presence of diverse African voices, experiences, and perspectives in various spheres of life. For example, political representation would ensure diverse African groups, such as women, youth, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities, have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes and hold leadership positions. The underrepresentation of vulnerable and marginalised groups leads to a lack of diverse perspectives and needs being addressed, resulting in policies that may not adequately serve these communities.
Some of the key issues that impede the unmuting of excluded voices in politics are financial barriers. Running an election whether local or national can be costly making it difficult for those from lower-income backgrounds to participate. This can be mitigated by availing resources for those with low-income backgrounds to participate in elections. This can be done by offering grants and sponsorships to help alleviate financial burdens.
Impact
To strengthen the goals of democracy, it is imperative to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which has essential elements such as the freedom of expression and opinion. We have adopted Article 21(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which states that: Everyone has the right to take part in the government of their country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. Article 21(1) additionally ensures everyone’s right to participate in government, including local government. This means excluded voices have the right to be involved in decision-making processes.
The impact that will be seen is that when the marginalised are given the stage to speak about the problems that their respective communities face, decisions will be made by those who are affected. Additionally, there will be diversity and representation in local offices. Not only will the marginalised be physically represented by those who look like them but they will also be represented in regional policies.
It is very imperative to ensure that those who are marginalised are represented in government, particularly in local government. To ensure that democracy is not weakened, we need the voices of the marginalised within marginalised communities to be given the opportunity to take up space and represent the voices of those who are excluded.