When Colombian youth leader José Antonio Minota attended a workshop at the Casa de las Memorias museum in Cali, he did so with a purpose beyond participation. Representing Afro-descendant youth from Comuna 20, he aimed to reclaim civic space for communities that are too often rendered invisible. Through music and storytelling, José highlighted the cultural richness of Afro communities while addressing issues of exclusion and violence, using narratives as tools for advocacy and empowerment.
The workshop, titled “Defending Ethnic Civic Space in Colombia” and part of the Connect, Defend, Act! (CDA) program, sought to ensure that ethnic communities are not just included in civic spaces but actively shape them. Organized in partnership with Fundación SIDOC, the event brought together representatives from six Afro-descendant and Indigenous organizations across Colombia to develop narratives rooted in their own experiences and voices. Held in the historic Casa de las Memorias del Conflicto y la Reconciliación, the gathering symbolized the ongoing journey toward peace, identity, and justice, while participants collaborated on messages, stories, and digital narratives emphasizing ethnic rights and platform accountability.
For Hivos, strengthening the civic voices of Afro-descendant and Indigenous youth is a crucial investment in creating a more just and inclusive region. Latin America regional director Tanja Lubbers emphasized the importance of youth voices, noting that young people are not only the future but also the present, bringing innovative ideas and perspectives that are often overlooked. By providing platforms for youth to engage actively, the CDA program empowers marginalized communities to become changemakers rather than passive beneficiaries.
Indigenous community organizer Natalia Fernández Hormiga from Cauca highlighted the value of linking ancestral knowledge with digital advocacy. She explained that designing messages is a form of cultural protection, allowing Indigenous communities to participate in civic debates while preserving traditional knowledge. By shaping narratives that combine local realities with national discussions on digital rights, security, and autonomy, Natalia demonstrated how digital citizenship can strengthen community resilience without compromising cultural authenticity.
Defending ethnic civic space is central to Colombia’s democratic future. Afro-descendant and Indigenous populations have historically been sidelined despite their crucial role in the country’s social fabric and peacebuilding processes. Through programs like CDA, safe and inclusive spaces are created where these communities can actively shape public dialogue and influence policy, ensuring that their voices are both heard and respected.
