“Push forward your narrative—one where everyone has a place in society and can thrive, no matter their identity.”- Sawsane Djazouli, #DiasporaVote!
Sawsane Djazouli is the Policy and Communications officer at #DiasporaVote!, a non-profit organisation that aims to ensure representation and inclusion to racialized communities living in Europe
What does the change you are trying to achieve look like? Why is the EU important?
We have noticed that while efforts to include diverse citizens are being made, they are often superficial. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals are either not present in the room or are included only symbolically, without being given the proper space to express themselves meaningfully.
We want to ensure that BIPOC young people have access to every opportunity—starting with education, the freedom to follow the curriculum they choose, and the right to participate fully as citizens, including the chance to run in elections. We need more political parties to prioritize racialized people at the top of their electoral lists, not just in name but with real chances of being elected and heard.
At the EU level, this remains a deeply neglected issue, especially for BIPOC communities. It is critical that we continue to push for strong anti-racism and anti-discrimination legislation. Our focus is on the upcoming EU Antiracism Strategy. While the previous Action Plan was a step forward, this new strategy signals that the EU is beginning to take these matters more seriously. However, we are still facing significant challenges, particularly in light of the current political climate and ongoing issues related to equality and human dignity. The upcoming EU Youth Strategy also represents an important opportunity to amplify youth voices, and this will be a key priority for us moving forward.
Which challenges are you facing?
The lack of prioritization of our issues continues to be a major challenge. Engaging with policymakers and receiving clear responses has been extremely difficult. There is a significant lack of transparency in consultation processes, as well as limited accessibility to crucial information.
To truly ensure diversity and inclusion, it is essential to have open calls for participation and to make information accessible in all languages spoken by EU citizens. Without these basic steps, meaningful representation remains out of reach.
One tip you want to share with other public interest advocates?
Don’t be afraid to be idealistic. We’re living in a time where things often feel like they’re getting worse, and it’s easy to fall into hopelessness. But we must not get stuck in this muddy situation. Instead, push forward your narrative—one where everyone has a place in society and can thrive, no matter their identity.
Don’t be shy! Networking can feel intimidating, but most people are genuinely happy to help and share their knowledge. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—just ask!
