Citizen Voice and Actions

@CVARwanda2016 @GloDemCoalition @NEDemocracy @hakj05 Let's share it with our beloved sisters

Applications are now open for Girls Lead Summer Camp 2026! 🌟 A transformative program empowering young girls (16–25) with leadership skills, confidence, and tools to drive change in their communities. If you're a student or recent graduate. Apply here: forms.gle/FKq39RGx942YEK…

The Thank You Democracy podcast continues its journey across regions and lived realities in Season 4. In Episode 2, we sat down with @cy_chigwenya, a political researcher, pracademic, research consultant for @ClubOfRome, and former African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace for Southern Africa, to unpack what democracy looks like on the ground in Southern Africa. Drawing on her experience across parliaments, peacebuilding institutions, and youth governance spaces, she offers a rare, multidimensional view of how history, inequality, migration, and political culture shape democratic participation today. Through personal reflections and regional analysis, Cynthia explores why young people’s motivation to engage is deeply affected by institutional trust, economic exclusion, and the perception that democratic systems are not delivering. She also highlights where progress is emerging, from youth-led co‑leadership to new generations entering politics with intention, competence, and a commitment to accountability. Her insights remind us that democracy is not only about elections; it is about sincerity, transparency, meaningful participation, and institutions that protect rather than harm. And they underscore why safeguarding civic space, investing in youth leadership, and strengthening trust must be central to any democratic renewal. Listen to the full episode at the link in comments, and stay tuned for more conversations throughout the season. #ThankYouDemocracy #DemocracyOnTheRoad #KeepDemocracyAlive

It’s happening! Today, Nairobi becomes the convergence of a continent in motion. Right now, youth leaders, organizers, innovators, and democracy protectors from across Africa are coming together for the GDC Africa Forum 2026. This isn’t just another event on the calendar. It’s a live moment in the making, shaped by a generation that refuses to wait its turn to lead. Under the theme “Reclaiming the Democratic Promise: Youth Agency, Digital Resilience, and Combating Kleptocracy in Africa,” today’s forum is designed for action. No passive listening. No business‑as‑usual. Participants are stepping into simulations, rapid‑fire dialogues, and immersive exchanges that dig into the realities of elections, digital threats, accountability, and the unstoppable rise of youth agency. Co‑hosted by @NuruTrustKenya and @YouthinSDGs, the Forum is intentionally built to spark ideas that travel far beyond the room. Insights from today will feed directly into the Africa Regional Report and shape the 2026 Global Report, ensuring that the conversations unfolding in Nairobi ripple outward into global democratic debates. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to be in Nairobi to be part of this moment. The virtual space is open, the livestream has started, and your voice matters just as much as those on the ground. Wherever you are joining from around the world, you’re part of a collective push to build a more inclusive, resilient, youth‑driven democratic future. Jump in. Participate. Add your voice. Today is the day we move the conversation forward together. Additional information, agenda, and livestream details are in the comments. #GDCForum2026 #GDCAfricaForum #KeepDemocracyAlive

The stories we tell about democracy matter. They shape how people understand it, whether they feel connected to it, and ultimately whether they choose to participate in it. On 24 March, our Coalition Partner @PeoplePowrd will host the webinar “Democracy Narratives: What works—and what doesn’t”, marking the first public event of the Democracy Narratives Alliance. This conversation will launch new global research synthesizing nearly 400 academic and practitioner publications, evidence from more than 150 studies, and insights from over 30 international organizations and funders, offering one of the most comprehensive looks yet at how narratives can strengthen democratic engagement. At a moment when democratic values are often contested, understanding which narratives resonate, and which may unintentionally fuel disengagement or cynicism, is more important than ever. The discussion will explore how framing, values, and storytelling can inspire participation, along with practical recommendations for communicators, researchers, organizers, and practitioners working to make the case for democracy. The conversation will feature Clara Bois, Partnerships Director at @PeoplePowrd, @dianadajer, Democracy Manager at @fundcorona, Elisenda Ballesté Buxó, Program Manager at the @GloDemCoalition, Gideon Too, Vice President at @BusaraCenter, and Ryan Gem, Learning and Evaluation Manager at @PeoplePowrd. Whether you work in communications, research, policy, community engagement, or organizing, this webinar will offer insights and tools to help strengthen democratic narratives and inspire meaningful participation. For more information and to register, see the link in the comments! #DemocracyNarratives #ParticipatoryDemocracy #DemocracyMatters

Africa’s democratic story is not only about challenges, it is also about important breakthroughs. During #AfricaRegionalMonth2026, we are sharing examples from @Int_IDEA's Global State of Democracy 2025 report that illustrate how democratic institutions continue to evolve across the continent. In South Africa, the 2024 national elections marked a historic political shift, with the African National Congress losing its absolute majority for the first time since 1994. The result led to the country’s first national coalition government, demonstrating how competitive elections can reshape political systems while remaining within democratic frameworks. Moments like this reflect the strength of electoral systems that allow voters to influence political outcomes and hold long-standing governing parties accountable. Throughout this month, we will continue sharing stories of both democratic resilience and reform across Africa.

Listen to one of the young empowered Leaders who was a participant of the just concluded Generation Leadership Acacademy #Cohort5 @NEDemocracy @GloDemCoalition @hakj05

Successfully completed the 5th Cohort of the Generation Leadership Academy (GLA). Grateful for the mentorship, learning, and meaningful conversations that strengthened my commitment to youth leadership and civic engagement. #GLA2026 #YouthLeadership #CivicEngagement

GLA Cohort5 has officially closed! Honored to host the Director of Good Governance, @GatsiboDistrict, who urged our young leaders to turn acquired skills into real, positive change. The GLA ends,but the mission to lead with integrity,accountability &impact continues. #GLACohort5

We were honored to host the Vice Mayor of @GatsiboDistrict in charge of Social Affairs, @MUKAMANAMarcel1, at #GLACohort5. Her message was clear: “Leadership is not a title, it’s a choice.” She reminded participants that In Rwanda, youth are leaders of today. #YouthLeadership

It is always interesting when a lead says that “The product is great and we are going to plan for how to use it.” Demo of @SokoFund_ to the prospect. #HR #Payroll #EmbeddedFinance

#Day3 at #GLACohort5 focuses on Transformational Gvce & Democracy. Under @FredMusiime20 facilitation, youth debated y.engagement, challenges like poor communication & limited participation, and proposed solutions including Youth civic mentorship, etc. The future is accountable.

We were honored to host Elisenda, Coordinator of #GDC , at #GLACohort5. “Leadership isn’t about feeling ready, it’s about stepping forward.” Youth are not leaders of tomorrow, but of today.Democracy doesn’t protect itself ,it needs us. The transformation begins with you.

After 2 intensive days of transformative leadership training under the outstanding facilitation of @A_Mushinzimana,#GLACohort5 participants are taking an assessment to measure their understanding, preparing to step into their communities ready to lead and drive meaningful change.

At #GLACohort5,participants unpacked the true signs of leadership under the facilitation of @A_Mushinzimana which include: when people seek your advice, you stay calm under pressure,empower and inspire others,take initiative, and build trust. Leadership is influence, not a title.

GLA Cohort 5 participants explored what makes a good leader,presenting key leadership skills and where they are cultivated, both in formal nd informal settings. Guided by Facilitator @A_Mushinzimana , they deepened their understanding of why these skills truly matter. #GLACohort5