Episode 2: On Expectations, Participation and Policy Change with Jihed Haj Salem

From the sunny shores of Tunisia, with choppy internet connection, barking dogs and all, I was joined by Jihed Haj Salem a social scientist and researcher extraordinaire. His focus areas are social inclusion, conflict mitigation and countering violent extremism in Tunisia and the larger MENA region. As an applied social researcher, he helps social change organizations assess the landscape in which they work and monitor the context to better tailor responses and genuinely improve the lives of people they serve. 

The cards drawn to guide us were an invitation to discuss Social Context, Aid Actors and Policy Change and the bonus card couldn’t have been more appropriate for our conversation: Inclusion! This was a real talk about what hinders genuine participation in civic engagement processes at local level, understanding the dynamics and disconnect between central and local levels for advancing participation, the limitations of large projects to bring about measurable change as larger projects are less agile to really adapt both to changing situation and to respond to needs. We closed our conversation on how words matter, on the challenge of translating “euro-centric” concepts locally and to consider the implication of the meaning of those words.  

Some key takeaways from our conversation: 

·        Take the time to prepare participatory process, the more so given the multiplicity of actors, interests, and variables at play. 

·        The importance to build on regional similarities and common ground. 

·        Language is important, so clarifying wording in this field when translating concepts is paramount. 

·        Be more realistic on objectives and the change that the processes you put in place will bring about. Less big projects, more sustained smaller projects. 

Hope you’ll enjoy this episode. As always in conversations with Jihed, I came out with even more questions about how to make social change endeavors be more efficient despite the structural limitations of the system. So, if you work on similar issues, would love to hear your thoughts, comments and to pursue this conversation a little longer.  

You can reach Jihed Haj Salem on LinkedIn for more on the socio-political context in Tunisia and neighboring countries. 

Finally, if you work on social change, in whaterver sector, and are up for the challenge, message me on LinkedIn or any of the social media platforms, through the unique handle @rethinksocialchange and we’ll organize a conversation!