Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) recently convened a digital media training session in Gwanda as part of the EU Funded YCA4SOTRA Project. This Digital Media Training aimed to empower young people including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by equipping them with essential skills in digital media, advocacy, and content creation.
Led by Jonah B. Moyo from Ntepe Manana Community Radio, the training focused on various digital tools, including Canva, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. Participants engaged in hands-on breakaway sessions designed to help them understand how to leverage these platforms for social change, emphasizing the relationship between digital media and advocacy.
A central theme of the training was the mutual empowerment between digital media and advocacy. Digital media provides advocates with powerful tools to achieve their goals, while advocacy offers meaningful content that drives engagement and real-world impact. This relationship has fundamentally transformed how social and political change is pursued, making it essential for young advocates to master these skills.
Participants explored the concept of community advocacy, which focuses on empowering specific communities to address shared concerns. For example, a neighborhood group might notice that a local park is littered and poorly maintained. They could organize a community cleanup day, recruit volunteers through social media, and lobby the city council for increased funding for park maintenance.
The training also covered policy advocacy, explaining how policies serve as guiding principles for organizations and governments. An example discussed was Zimbabwe’s Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS), which outlines the nation’s approach to achieving emission reduction targets through promoting renewable energy and sustainable land-use practices. Understanding such policies equips young advocates with the knowledge necessary to influence decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities.
Before tackling advocacy issues, participants learned the importance of thorough groundwork. They were taught to analyze cases carefully, identify key facts, and understand opposing perspectives. This foundational knowledge is critical for developing effective advocacy strategies and ensuring that their actions are well-informed and impactful.
Digital security was another vital focus area of the training. Participants learned about the practices and technologies necessary to protect their digital information from unauthorized access and attacks. In a digital landscape where online harassment, misinformation, and reputational risks can pose significant threats, understanding digital security is essential for all advocates.
Key strategies for successful social media advocacy were also highlighted. Attendees learned to effectively use hashtags, collaborate with influencers, and create compelling visuals that stand out. They were encouraged to define clear goals, utilize a mix of content types, and mobilize supporters through multiple channels, including social media and email.
Civic engagement was a crucial component of the training, with discussions on how young people can actively participate in community life to address public concerns. Examples of civic engagement included attending school board meetings, volunteering for local non-profit organizations, signing online petitions, and creating or sharing digital media to raise awareness about various causes.
The role of youth in civic engagement was emphasized, highlighting their potential as catalysts for social and political change. By participating actively, young people can challenge the status quo and bring fresh perspectives to long-standing issues, ensuring a more inclusive democracy.
However, the workshop also addressed the barriers faced by marginalized groups, such as young women and people with disabilities (PWDs), who often encounter obstacles to digital media access. Socioeconomic disparities, cultural norms, and a lack of inclusive design can hinder their ability to engage in advocacy. The training explored strategies to promote public access to digital resources and ensure that technology accommodates the needs of all community members.
WILD’s initiative in Gwanda represents a significant step toward empowering the next generation of leaders. By equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively advocate for their communities, the training aims to inspire a new wave of social change agents committed to driving positive impact. Participants left the workshop energized and ready to apply their newfound skills to real-world challenges.
By nurturing youths including PWDs and providing them with ongoing support, WILD aims to cultivate a vibrant network of empowered youth ready to tackle the challenges facing their communities and champion sustainable development.
As the training concluded, participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow. Many shared their enthusiasm about applying their skills to advocate for their communities, demonstrating a strong commitment to effecting positive change.