Talk To Me Direct
Luminate has launched its new podcast series, Talk To Me Direct, with an engaging first episode featuring Dr. Amina Salihu, a feminist and philanthropy expert in Africa. Posted on August 1, 2024, this debut episode includes an insightful discussion between anchor Natasha Kimani, a governance and public policy specialist, and Dr. Amina Salihu. The conversation centres on the importance of civic space in Africa and the crucial role of civil society organisations in holding governments accountable.
Dr. Amina Salihu, known for her work as the Deputy Director of the MacArthur Foundation Africa, talks about her personal history, reflecting on how her upbringing and her parents’ influence fuelled her passion for activism. She emphasises the struggles faced by marginalised communities and underscores the need for civil society to amplify their voices.
Critical Roles
The episode explores the challenges facing civil society actors and the academia in Africa, with Dr. Salihu highlighting the decline in research opportunities, living standards, and government support for educators. She stresses academia’s critical role in shaping knowledge and driving societal progress. Dr. Salihu also discusses the shrinking civic space in Africa, where governments increasingly clamp down on freedom of expression and social media activism.
The conversation paints a picture of civil society’s significance in creating inclusive societies, empowering marginalised groups, and holding governments accountable for their actions. Amina and Natasha commend African youth for their resilience and innovative use of technology to advocate for change and address systemic injustices.
Failed Entryism?
Dr. Salihu’s insights provide a compelling look at the complexities and opportunities within Africa’s civic space. When Natasha Kimani asks, “Amina, talk to me direct, specifically around what I’ve seen in some African countries: that when a lot of members of civil society join government they become the very thing they were fighting against. Why does that happen, and how can we stop that and change that negative train from continuing to move ahead?”
In response, Dr. Amina Salihu shares an anecdote about Professor Attahiru Jega, the former chair of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, who exemplified how civil society members can impact government roles. “He used to be the chair of the Academic Staff Union of Universities; he used to be the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, and then he became the chair of INEC. And the argument has been that Nigeria has never had better elections than under Professor Attahiru Jega.”
Dr. Salihu argues that there’s evidence that when civil society activists either join or work in government, there can be changes. She, however, lamented the neglect of civil society activists who work in government roles. “When a few of us get into government, civil society thinks its job is done, then [the civil society actor in government] is left feeling orphaned because there was no succession planning, no transition planning, and there is no backstop. So someone is in power, then in the minority, What do you do? You got to keep feeding them with the research that they need, with the solidarity that they need, and with the information they need when they need it, so that they know that you’ve got their back. Yes. But you’re also watching them.”
More Episodes
The first episode set the stage for Episode 2 of the Talk To Me Direct series released on August 8, which highlights Polly Wachira, a TikTok influencer and Head o f Campaigns and Communities at Maono Space. Wachira discusses the role of community-based organisations in Kenya’s rural communities and the importance of supporting them to amplify their messages.
Founded by Pierre and Pam Omidyar, Luminate has been dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented groups have the information, rights, and power to influence decisions affecting their lives. The organisation focuses on enabling people to participate fully in civic and political life, challenge power safely, and access accurate information. With a global presence and a regional focus on Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Luminate continues its mission to build a more inclusive and informed world. Luminate’s Talk To Me Direct podcast series aims to feature eight changemakers.
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