Building a movement is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Movements aren’t spontaneous uprisings but carefully cultivated ecosystems of shared purpose, collective action, and unwavering determination. They take time, effort, and strategic planning, but the rewards—real, impactful change—are worth it.
The fight for justice has a rich history, filled with movements that have shaped our world. Let's explore the evolution of movements and the inspiring lessons they offer.
GLOBAL
From Hashtag to Collective Action: The #MeToo Movement
This movement, ignited by survivors of sexual assault and harassment, brought unprecedented attention to the issue. Here's how it transformed:
Raising Awareness: The viral #MeToo hashtag brought unprecedented attention to sexual violence. This awareness was crucial for building solidarity among survivors.
Changing Power Dynamics: The movement challenged the power dynamics that perpetuate silence. Giving voice to the voiceless paved the way for cultural and legal reforms.
Evolving into Organizations: Inspired by #MeToo, organizations like Time's Up and #MeToo Legal Defense Fund emerged. These groups provide legal support, advocate for policy changes, empower survivors, and provide a platform for sustained action to address sexual harassment.
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#IncludeMe: Disability Rights Take Center Stage
The #IncludeMe movement wasn't a single person's story but a powerful chorus of voices from the disability rights community. This movement gained popularity in 2018 with the support of Include Me TOO, a charity which supports disabled children and young people, and played a significant role in amplifying this hashtag. People with disabilities began using #IncludeMe to post about their challenges in accessing crucial amenities and the lack of representation. More and more people resonated with the message, sharing their stories and using the hashtag.
Creating a Sense of Community: As more people engaged with the hashtag, a sense of community and solidarity emerged. Shared experiences helped to build a collective identity and fostered a supportive environment for activism. Online discussions identified vital areas requiring change – physical accessibility, representation in media, and employment opportunities.
Demands for Change. With a robust online presence and a clear message, the movement transitioned from raising awareness to demanding action. At this stage, petitions, campaigns for policy changes, and collaborations with disability rights organizations might have emerged. Eg the launch of the Global Disability Summit Children and Young People Programme Report provided milestones that helped to sustain momentum and draw attention to the movement’s achievements.
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Shift the Power: Redefining Philanthropy
Shift the Power aims to amplify and legitimize new ways of giving and decision-making within philanthropy. The movement believes local communities should have more control over their development, as the current international funding system needs to provide them with more power.
Network Building. This movement is building a network of like-minded individuals, organizations, and communities who share its vision of redefining philanthropy. This includes fostering connections between grassroots organizations, community foundations, donors, activists, and other stakeholders working towards similar goals. These networks are platforms for sharing resources, exchanging knowledge, and coordinating collective action.
Advocacy and Awareness. Shift the Power is advocating for systemic changes within the philanthropic sector to shift power dynamics towards greater equity and inclusion. This involves raising awareness about the limitations of traditional philanthropy and advocating for alternative approaches that prioritize community-led solutions and decision-making processes. The movement seeks to influence philanthropic practices through campaigns, research, and policy advocacy at local, national, and international levels.
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Black Lives Matter: A Force for Racial Justice
The Black Lives Matter movement, ignited by the unjust deaths of unarmed Black Americans, garnered global attention and support that led to an uproar over existing discriminatory practices in governance structures. The movement:
Harnessed the Power of Social Media: #BlackLivesMatter became a rallying cry, uniting millions through social media platforms. It showcased the power of digital organizing and raising awareness.
Capitalized on decentralized Leadership: Black Lives Matter is a network of local chapters. This decentralized structure empowers grassroots action and fosters responsiveness to specific community needs.
Consistency in the message: While tactics may differ, Black Lives Matter maintains a clear message: Black lives deserve dignity and protection. This focus keeps the movement cohesive and its goals clear.
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AFRICA
From Anti-Apartheid Struggle to Modern Movements: The Enduring Power of "Amandla! Ngawethu!"
The phrase "Amandla! Ngawethu!" meaning "Power! To the people!" has deep historical roots in South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle. "Amandla! Ngawethu!" became more than just a chant. It embodied the unwavering spirit of a people united against oppression. Led by figures like Nelson Mandela, the movement drew strength from its shared purpose and steadfast determination.
The anti-apartheid movement offers valuable lessons for future generations:
Building Unity. The movement wasn't born overnight. It stemmed from a shared sense of oppression among Black South Africans, who recognized strength in numbers. This unity transcended cultural and ethnic divisions, creating a force for change. This was particularly demonstrated by the formulation of trade unions to youth solidarity organisations.
Numerous grassroots organizations continue to fight for social justice, advocating for better housing, education, healthcare, and workers' rights, invoking "Amandla! Ngawethu!" to draw on the historical legacy of the anti-apartheid struggle.
E.g. - Abahlali baseMjondolo (Shack Dwellers' Movement), a movement advocates for the rights of shack dwellers and fights against forced evictions.
Symbols and Slogans. "Amandla! Ngawethu!" became a rallying cry, a symbol that resonated deeply with the oppressed. Simple slogans and powerful imagery like the raised fist kept the movement's message clear and motivated continued action.
Long-Term Vision. The struggle wasn't a quick win. It was a long, demanding journey that required unwavering commitment from generations of activists. The movement understood the challenge and persevered through sacrifices and setbacks.
"Amandla! Ngawethu!" remains a powerful cultural symbol in South Africa, used in protests, music, literature, and public discourse to evoke a sense of unity and collective power. It continues to inspire new generations fighting for social justice, as seen in movements like #RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustFall.
My Dress Choice
The "My Dress, My Choice" movement erupted in Kenya in 2014 in response to a disturbing video of a woman being publicly stripped. This outcry transcended a mere fashion statement; it ignited a call for a fundamental shift in societal attitudes towards women. The movement's core message resonated deeply. It wasn't just about the freedom to choose clothing (My Dress)—it was about the right to make choices without judgment (My Choice).
Policy Advocacy. Lobbying for stricter enforcement of existing laws and advocating for new legislation that protects women's safety and right to self-expression can create a more supportive legal framework.
Shifting the Narrative. Challenging media portrayals that objectify women and promoting narratives that celebrate female agency and empowerment can contribute to a broader cultural shift.
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The Morphing Process: Movements Evolving into Lasting Change.
The key to a movement’s longevity lies in its ability to transform into a sustainable initiative. This transformation involves several crucial steps.
First, developing a structure is essential. Movements evolve by creating formal or informal structures with clear leadership, defined goals, and strategic plans. This framework helps focus efforts and ensures long-term effectiveness.
Second, harnessing social media plays a pivotal role. Effective use of social media platforms helps movements maintain visibility, engage with supporters, and disseminate information quickly. This ongoing digital presence is crucial for sustaining momentum and mobilizing a broader audience.
Third, mobilizing resources is vital for growth and sustainability. Organizations seek funding through grants, donations, and fundraising campaigns. This financial support allows them to hire staff, run programs, and expand their reach.
Movements do not necessarily morph into institutions but into more substantial and meaningful initiatives or networks. Thus, for movements to mature, they should aim to preserve their core values and objectives while adapting to changing circumstances. They should maintain flexibility in their strategies and structures to remain relevant and effective in addressing evolving social issues. Ultimately, the goal of a movement should not be to institutionalize itself but rather to catalyze enduring societal transformation. By remaining true to their values, embracing innovation and fostering inclusivity.
Written by @Ivy Maina, Program Associate at Lusoma.
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