Fostering Dialogue For Social Change | Aisha Salaudeen | TEDxLagosStateUniversity

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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.

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 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.

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.