The WYDE Civic Engagement project complements its activities at global and regional levels with ad-hoc country-level support. The overall aim of the Quick-Impact Actions (QIAS) is to provide urgent and strategic support to local actors working on youth political inclusion and participation, always upon request of the relevant EU Delegation.
Based on the specific objectives determined in close cooperation with EUDs, the most appropriate local actor(s) are identified and selected to implement the QIAs. This is done either through a direct technical intervention or an action grant, awarded directly or through a restrictive call for proposals, depending on the urgency of the need, the political calendar, and the potential to generate positive changes in youth participation.
Background
In Paraguay, there is a perception that young people are not interested in politics, however, young people have been key players in pushing for certain rights. Yet in the sphere of political engagement, young people are increasingly distrustful towards political institutions and politicians, leading to lower levels of engagement in traditional and formal political spaces.
Decidamos works toward building a fairer, more inclusive, and democratic country by engaging women and men from both urban and rural areas and breaking stereotypes about youth engagement. The goal is to empower citizens to shape public policies that foster their social, cultural, and identity-based growth and emancipation, with a special attention on addressing participation barriers for women and youth.
Project Overview
This project aims to provide technical support to the Citizen Observation Group “Decidamos” in establishing a strong social media monitoring system focused on youth-based participation.
The Civic Participation of Youth and Social Networks project seeks to enhance understanding of youth participation in electoral campaigns, particularly through social media, by producing electoral observation reports. The aim is to investigate the prevalence and impact of fake news during the electoral campaigns on youth engagement and develop a mitigation plan that includes youth civic education and citizen observation initiatives to combat misinformation. In addition, the project identified effective strategies to promote youth political participation and foster positive activism on social media, as well as identify areas of interest relevant to youth within political platforms.
To strengthen youth engagement and for enhanced support in monitoring social networks, the project activities included daily training sessions for participants and staff involved in the Civic Participation of Youth and Social Networks, engaging in informal dialogues on the topics of misinformation during elections with opinion leaders and journalists, and facilitating information exchanges with electoral observer analysts.
As part of the first project phase, a feasibility study was conducted. The project also involved designing and delivering training sessions, specifically “Train the Trainers” programmes for the Social Networks Monitoring Team. In addition, informative sessions were held to share insights from similar projects in Latin America, helping to contextualise Paraguay’s challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, the project analysed the need for reforms in Paraguayan electoral regulations, focusing on the area of electoral observation, which would inform future assistance efforts, laying the groundwork for future changes.
Expected Outcomes
The project aims to achieve major milestones in promoting youth political participation in Paraguay. Through a comprehensive three-year framework, youth were equipped with skills in social media monitoring to combat disinformation and enhance local accountability efforts. The project facilitated youth engagement with local decision-makers to advocate for greater youth inclusion in political processes, encouraging active involvement in policy discussions. As a result, youth analysed the impact of policy proposals impacting their communities, introduced targeted policy recommendations, and strengthened electoral observation capabilities. Moreover, partnerships with local NGOs and universities supported youth-led initiatives, promoting sustained civic engagement. Overall, the project aimed to empower Paraguayan youth to participate actively in civic life and address misinformation online.
More About the Organisation
Decidamos develops campaigns, programs and projects that strengthen democracy as a political, economic, social and cultural process. Its mission is to build a democracy based on social justice and human rights by creating a critical and engaged citizenry.
Learn more about Decidamos: https://decidamos.org.py/
