Fostering Dialogue For Social Change | Aisha Salaudeen | TEDxLagosStateUniversity

Mustafa Salah's Journey and Advocacy

• Mustafa Salah, a Gambian man, planned to migrate to Europe but faced violence, extortion, and arrest during his dangerous journey through the Sahara Desert and Libya.
• In a Libyan detention center, he realized the risks of irregular migration and decided to raise awareness upon his return to Gambia.
• Back in Gambia, Mustafa and other survivors formed "Youth Against Irregular Migration" to share their experiences and discourage others from taking the same perilous route.
• Through dialogue and conversations, they educated people about the dangers and suffering involved in irregular migration, leading to a shift in mindsets and a decline in the number of Gambians attempting the journey.

The Power of Dialogue and Conversations

• Dialogue and conversations are crucial for knowledge sharing, empathy building, and social change.
• They help us understand others' perspectives and experiences, even if they differ from our own.
• Conversations can facilitate conflict resolution by providing opportunities for open dialogue, healing, and reconciliation.
• Challenging the status quo through dialogue can lead to positive change and progress in society.
• Dialogue and conversations can take various forms, including protests, traditional media, social media, and personal interactions.

Social Change and Challenges

• Social change is a gradual process that requires persistence and continuous effort, starting with small actions and conversations.
• Potential challenges include the length of time required for change, the risk of getting tired or bored, and the existence of echo chambers.
• Power dynamics can also affect conversations, as individuals with more power may have a greater influence on the outcome.
• Challenges in conversations include government restrictions on free speech, misinformation spread, language and communication barriers, and different lifestyles and mindsets.

Respectful Dialogue and Actions for Social Change

• Respect is crucial for effective communication and change.
• Don't overthink, start by tweeting about your cause, write articles, and talk to your neighbors about it.
• Join organizations already working on the issue and volunteer or collaborate with others who share your passion.