LAB 6: Amplifying marginalised voices: diversity in action
7 November 2024 - 15.00-17.00 / Palais de l'Europe / Salle 9
Interpretation FR/EN
Sponsored by the Permanent Representation of France to the Council of Europe
Diversity in action describes the dynamism of marginalised groups who take initiatives to assert their rights and be heard. By organising themselves and acting collectively, these groups highlight the injustices and inequalities they suffer, while proposing concrete solutions for a fairer future. Their actions demonstrate their resilience and their determination to be recognised and to participate fully in society. By speaking out and claiming their place, they enrich public debate with perspectives that are often ignored or minimised. This diversity in action not only calls for inclusion; it embodies diversity as a driving force for change. By amplifying their voices, these movements raise collective awareness and encourage institutions to adopt fairer, more inclusive policies.
Moderator:
Pap NDIAYE, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of France to the Council of Europe
Discussant:
Sarah El Mottalib, diplômée de l’École Normale Supérieure et de Sciences Po Paris, agrégée en Économie et Gestion, a débuté sa carrière comme auditrice dans le secteur privé et public avant de se tourner vers l'enseignement de l'économie, du droit et du management. En tant qu'inspectrice académique et vice-doyenne au Ministère de l'Éducation nationale, elle pilote le contrôle des établissements privés sous contrat et les dispositifs d'égalité des chances, tels que les Cordées de la Réussite, au rectorat de Paris. Parallèlement, elle préside l’association Les Pépites Publiques, qui œuvre pour la diversité au service de la transformation de l'action publique. Son parcours allie expertise pédagogique et gestion de projets éducatifs.
Furkan SORKUNCUK, member of the Conference of the INGOs
Accelerating Community Participation into Civic Spaces, Libera Initiative for Civic Engagement
Nigeria
"Accelerating Community Participation into Civic Spaces" is an innovative project designed to promote the diversity and inclusion of Key Populations communities into civic spaces, especially into active participatory in democratic processes in Nigeria. More so, the initiative tends to create awareness on the impending danger shrouding Nigeria’s growing democracy, which is the constant and massive disinterest on democracy and participatory governance, especially among the youthful population, which is the biggest voting bloc according to the Independent National Electoral Commission sources. This has often led voter apathy, due to lack of trust in the sanctity of the electoral processes. The initiative extends to all young people, regardless of their diversity, including key populations and persons with disabilities. These activities include workshop for key population students in Institutions of higher learning, governance hub for youths in their diversities and inclusive leadership fellowship. Conducted in partnership with local organisations and supported by ISDAO (Initiative Sankofa West Africa), the project seeks to transform perceptions and increase civic engagement in Nigeria.
Presenter:
Samuel Ozonna is currently the Executive Director of Libera Initiative for Civic Engagement, a youth-led non-profit advocacy organization in Nigeria, working on civic integration of vulnerable populations, youth, women, and Persons living with disabilities inclusion in governance processes, civic education, peacebuilding, social justice, and human rights. He holds a degree in Philosophy from Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy; and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from Imo State University, Owerri-Nigeria. Samuel is a passionate youth activist, with an interest in mobilization of young people to hold political leaders accountable, through non-violent campaigns. A recipient of Rotract Community Service Award.
Democracy in diversity, Dialogo Diverso
Ecuador
The "Democracy in Diversity" initiative by the Dialogo Diverso Foundation has strengthened democracy in Ecuador since 2018 by advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and political engagement. The initiative has engaged LGBTIQ+ activists with political parties and assembly members to influence their political agendas in support of LGBTIQ+ rights, obtaining public commitments from them. Additionally, the initiative has launched innovative educational campaigns in social media to solidify political commitments for LGBTIQ+ and engage new young LGBTIQ+ leaders. Significantly, the initiative reached over 287 000 people through debates, conferences, workshops, mass media, and social networks. It got 273 people to multiply political information and knowledge regarding LGBTIQ+ rights and democracy. Various public figures were involved in the initiative, including assembly members, officials, political organisations, and activists. Furthermore, the initiative forged strategic partnerships with entities like the National Democratic Institute (NDI) Ecuador, the Embassy of Canada in Ecuador and several LGBTIQ+ organisations that helped with resources and exposure.
Presenter:
Public Relations Specialist, conflict resolution mediator and communication student, Co-founder of the Diálogo Diverso Foundation and Director of LGBTIQ+ Rights, human rights activist with emphasis on the LGBTIQ+ population, Coordinator of the LGBTIQ+ Democracy in Diversity political participation project. LGBTIQ+ migration specialist. Secretary General of the Regional Network for LGBTIQ+ Human Mobility in Latin America. Member of the International Advisory Committee on LGBTIQ+ rights for Dignity Network Canada. TEDx speaker.
Using Storytelling to prevent LGBTQ+ bullying, Diversity Role Models
United Kingdom
The project "Embracing Difference, Ending Bullying", funded by the Department for Education (DfE), aims to combat bullying in English schools by using Diversity Role Models and storytelling as key tools. The aim of the initiative is to show how carefully constructed personal narratives can be effectively used to counter prejudice-based bullying, debunk disinformation, and strengthen social cohesion in the education sector. Selected in 2021 for a three-year programme by the DfE, the initiative uses Role Model stories to raise awareness among staff and students of the diversity and characteristics protected by the 2010 Equality Act. In-depth research in each school has made it possible to adapt the training and create personalised action plans. This presentation is addressed to civil society representatives, youth workers, law and policymakers and government delegations.
Presenter:
Darius Gervinskas is the London and South East Education Manager for Diversity Role Models and an Advisory Panelist for International Collaboration at IGLYO - The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Intersex Youth and Student Organisation. Darius has a master’s degree in human rights from University College London and is passionate about international human rights law and UN mechanisms.
Svi UGLAS (Everyone in Unity), Art Apara
Serbia
Svi UGLAS (Everyone in Unity) is an initiative that promotes democratic values through music. The project, run since 2016 by Art Aparat, focuses on Roma children and young people who are homeless, who are in extreme poverty, excluded from education and often victims of labor exploitation. It empowers them while also involving society in a joint creation with the Roma community, enabling intercultural exchange and fostering empathy, solidarity, and unity. In addition to the intercultural aspect, the project promotes intergenerational exchange, which has proved equally valuable for all participants and for raising awareness among the public. Within the intercultural choir, over 80 members of the Roma and non-Roma communities collaborate, are creating together and producing videos and songs that are broadcasted online. The project also organises concerts to present these works and runs an educational programme to familiarise participants and the public with Roma culture. Training courses and workshops for teachers and youth workers are also offered, using music as a tool for social inclusion.
Presenter:
Maja Curcic is a music educator and composer from Belgrade, Serbia. She holds a Master's degree in Music Pedagogy from the Faculty of Music Arts in Belgrade. As a co-founder of Art Aparat, Maja focused her work on working with communities and has spent the past eight years developing a methodology that uses music for intercultural learning, psycho-social support, and building inclusive communities. Her work fosters connections between individuals of diverse backgrounds and ages. As a composer, Maja has created music for various artistic mediums, including film, theater, television, dance performances, and audio-visual installations.
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