Finding innovative ways to reach those who feel excluded from politics can be a daunting challenge, particularly in countries with high illiteracy rates and little tradition of political engagement.
Sudan is one such location. After years of civil war that ended with the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, southern Sudanese voted earlier this year to create their own nation, the Republic of South Sudan, which came into being on July 9. The decades of conflict stalled progress in many areas, increasing the need for political involvement, especially by young people, as both Sudans adjust to the changed governmental landscape. As the next generation of leaders – in politics, civil society and industry – their participation is critical.
To help give young Sudanese a voice, caricature art has become a civic education tool. Political cartoons provide a platform where they can express their views on important issues and engage others, including Sudanese who cannot read.
To strengthen those skills, young Sudanese artists participated in a training program at the Ahfad University for Women, Sudan’s leading women’s education institution, sponsored by one of NDI’s partners, the Babiker Badri Scientific Association for Women’s Studies.
The training covered democratic principles and practice, human rights and the role of caricature art in shaping attitudes and behavior. Afterward, the artists, who were also activists, journalists, academics and women leaders, produced caricatures on such topics as sectarianism, corruption and the horrors of female genital mutilation for an exhibition attended by representatives of government, civil society, media and the general public. At the exhibition, the young artists had the opportunity to explain the cartoons and articulate their views on democracy in Sudan.
The training and exhibition were the first phase of the Babiker Badri Scientific Association’s “Enhancing Youth Political Participation in Sudan” project. The next phase will feature a four-day democracy and human rights training for Sudanese young people from universities, youth clubs and associations in Khartoum. Participants will learn public service skills, including democratic practices, organizational development, strategic communications and leadership.
The participants will then lead five forums on democracy and human rights at five different universities in Khartoum that will provide hundreds of Sudanese youth with an opportunity to engage in constructive debate, share ideas and deepen their understanding of democratic concepts. The goal of the forums is to encourage civic participation by those who take part in the training sessions.
Related:
- Opinion Study Shows that Citizens in South Sudan Want a Democratic and Just Government»
- Southern Sudanese Women’s Coalition Calls for More Inclusive Constitution»
- Read NDI’s previous focus group studies in Sudan»
Published August 29, 2011
