IFES is working directly with two Ecuadorian civil society organizations to increase the political and electoral participation of indigenous and Afro-descendent minorities in Ecuador.

Approximately 28 percent of Ecuador’s population is of African or indigenous descent, significant minorities who have the ability and desire to influence political processes. Unfortunately, indigenous and Afro-descendent populations remain far underrepresented in mainstream politics in Ecuador.

It is vital to incorporate these disaffected populations into established political processes so all voices are heard. Further, it is easier to ensure political stability with an inclusive democracy.

Together with local partners Fundación Cimarrón Siglo XXI and Fundación Q’ellkaj, Ecuadorian civil society organizations, IFES is unfolding a comprehensive training program for young indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian leaders (between the ages of 16 and 30) that will provide participants with the skills to represent their communities as advocates and activists at the local and national levels in government, political parties, and community organizations. The first of these trainings began this month.

The program will be expanded next year as IFES and its partners arrange an internship program to place graduates of the leadership training program in 3 month-long internships with local government offices. The aim is to give the participants direct experience in how things are done in their government to facilitate communication between local governments and their constituents.

In addition, IFES will work with its local partners to implement a visibility campaign. Implemented though media platforms such as regular publications and radio shows, it will hopefully increase the minority communities’ self-awareness and the general population’s understanding of these minority groups.

While executing these initiatives, IFES will also be strengthening its partner organizations, Fundación Cimarrón Siglo XXI and Fundación Q’ellkaj, by providing training in key areas such as project management, ethno-education and communication. Such training will increase the capacity of these local civil society organizations to both design and carry out their programs with limited assistance from international organizations in the future.

By: Rachel Evans, IFES Americas program associate