Varsity Vibe’s Post

As Botswana approaches its 13th national elections, it's crucial to reflect on the status of women's political representation. Despite international conventions, policies, and programs advocating for increased female representation, it's imperative to assess our progress. With only 11% of our highest elected positions held by women, we must redefine our standards for effective female representation and understand its significance for our democracy. Let's examine our achievements and initiatives in promoting female political engagement, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5. Join us this afternoon as we delve into the complexities of women's political participation in Africa and discuss how we can strive for a more equitable voice. #BotswanaElections #GenderEquality #SDG5

Reflecting on Race in South African Politics: Insights from The Dialogue As a diversity specialist, I often find myself at the intersection of important conversations about identity, representation, and inclusion. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a thought-provoking discussion on race and its role in South African politics on The Dialogue, hosted by Clement Manyathela. Joined by Tshidi Madia, Associate Editor for Politics at Eye Witness News, and Sandile Swana, a distinguished political analyst, our dialogue delved into the intricate dynamics shaping the upcoming elections. One key consensus emerged from our conversation: while the average South African is primarily concerned with day-to-day issues like service delivery, the undercurrents of identity, and the concept of "PLU" – people like us – cannot be overlooked. Whether consciously or unconsciously, individuals tend to gravitate towards what is familiar, be it based on race, gender, or shared moral understandings. It was illuminating to acknowledge that despite the desire to move beyond race as a defining factor in our politics, its influence remains deeply entrenched. Political parties may espouse non-racialism, yet the rhetoric of some leaders and the demographics of their support bases often tell a different story. Sandile shared poignant examples that underscored this reality. In communities like Muldersdrift, where DA posters dominate the landscape in predominantly white neighborhoods, it's evident that certain parties have effectively written off diverse representation. Similarly, the colored community in the Western Cape, despite being a significant portion of the population, often finds itself marginalized and lacking agency in political decision-making. These anecdotes underscored the urgent need for more inclusive and representative politics. As we approach the elections, it's essential to confront these realities head-on and work towards a future where every voice is heard and every community is empowered. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such pertinent discussions. By engaging in dialogue and raising awareness, we can strive for a South Africa where diversity is not just celebrated but actively reflected in our political landscape. Together, let us pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future. To hear the full interview, please follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/d_x6vuYW #thedialogue #diversi-t #DEIB #interview #raceandpolitics #race #southafricanelections2024 #elections2024 #southafrica #politics

Democracy needs a collective action and responsibility, use your voice it's your democratic right.

South Africa has come a long way in rectifying the atrocities of the past, giving each of us a voice in the democratic process of voting. ARIA - African Rail Industry Association is calling on all registered South African voters to visit their voting stations and cast their votes. Your vote is not just a choice, but a powerful tool for shaping the future of our country. Every vote is important and counts towards building a better economy, education system and country. Let us all go out to our voting stations and make our collective voices heard. Together, we can drive positive change and build a stronger, more inclusive South Africa. #Vote #Democracy #Elections2024"

UNITEE project manager Vanessa Cotterell joined EU&U and EPLO Belgium to discuss key issues for young people in the run-up to European elections in June. On inclusive participation, Cotterell emphasised: 🔹 How local perspectives are pivotal in shaping inclusion policies within the European Union. 🔹How marginalised groups like migrants and refugees face significant barriers to participation due to lack of access to essential services and rights. 🔹How caution is needed to ensure that concepts like intersectionality and diversity translate into tangible actions rather than mere buzzwords, especially with the upcoming elections Young people are underrepresented both in the labour market and in voting turnout. The EU needs to go beyond buzzwords and develop a clear policy to make sure young people are included. 🗞️ | For a roadmap on how to increase young people's representation in the labour market, read our Agenda for Inclusive Entrepreneurship: https://lnkd.in/ek2QqPgw

According to the 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆, which garnered responses from 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭 𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀, social media significantly shapes the youth's perception of political parties and leaders, with 𝟳𝟳.𝟮𝟱% 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 on these platforms. However, 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝟰𝟱% 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀. When asked about the most effective marketing platforms in influencing their vote, only 43.10% of respondents cited social media (Facebook, Instagram and TikTok). In contrast, 𝟲𝟮.𝟴𝟴% 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀, indicating a preference for more direct and substantive forms of communication which 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. Social media undeniably plays a significant role in shaping the perception of voting among South African youth. However, the 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 among parties and leaders. #YouthVoting #Elections2024

[Op-Ed] One of the key challenges in engaging young people in the democratic process lies in the digital divide that persists within the country. While access to the internet and digital technologies has increased in recent years, significant disparities remain, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This gap not only limits young people’s ability to access information about political parties and candidates but also hinders their participation in online discussions and debates. In the lead up to what has been referred to as the most contested elections in South Africa, I highlight the use of varied communication channels as a way of including young people in the democratic process. #digitaldivide #Elections2024 #YouthInclusion Find it here: https://shorturl.at/cAWX9

📢Join us and learn more about 3 upcoming elections happening in March. ♀️At Politics4Her we advocate for increased representation and participation of women in politics on a global scale. 🌎 Knowledge is power so stick with us as we continue to take you through all the elections taking place across the world and what the results would mean for women and girls in the respective countries. Did you know Senegal is one of the countries in Africa with the highest representation of women in Parliament? Swipe through to find out more ➡️ What are your predictions for the upcoming elections in Slovakia, Senegal and Türkiye? Let us know in the comments 👇 #Politics4Her #Knowledgeispower #MoreWomenInPolitics #HerVoiceMatters

Call to action. Responsible citizenship. NOT politics. Insightful. 29 May 2024 is a significant day, paralleled only by the equivalent day in 1994, when for the first time all South Africans were given the democratic right to vote. Our faltering economy, staggering unemployment, inadequate social services, lack of effective policies, to name some issues, as the status quo, depends on YOUR vote. “Voting is a powerful tool of accountability with which we can demand better governance and ensure that our concerns are heard. But it is only effective when we participate in our vast numbers, ensuring that the electoral outcome is a true reflection of the will of the people.” https://lnkd.in/dfFsn8r8

Women are calling for equitable governance in post-election South Africa!   Please read the SUBMISSION TO REPRESENTED POLITICAL PARTIES ON THE OUTCOME OF THE ELECTIONS AND FUTURE GOVERNANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA and sign the form on this link if you support women’s equitable representation in governance ➡ https://acesse.one/A1Evp PREAMBLE “We, a coalition of individual women and women’s organisations from across South Africa, declare that women have been the majority of the electorate in South Africa throughout our thirty years of democracy, and account for 55.25% of the 27,672,264 registered voters in the 2024 elections. Women achieved the highest voter turnout, with almost 2 million more women voting than men, yet there has been a 3% decrease in women’s representation in the National Assembly, from 46% to 43%.”   #GNU #WEMP