The Raoul Wallenberg Institute, Harare office in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe and Africa University launched a “Pamoja” Solidarity and Human Rights Exhibition at Africa University in Mutare on 30 October 2023.
“Pamoja” is a Swahili word meaning together and photo Exhibition was launched under the theme, Strengthening Youth Participation and Inclusion for All. The “Pamoja: together change is possible, consisted of a photo exhibition of 20 African advocates together with a web platform that explores the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and the independence movements in nine other African nations, namely Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The platform is made up of a portrait exhibition that features youth activists from both Sweden, and the nine countries, showcasing their inspiring quotes aimed at the importance of international unity and solidarity and the fight for democracy and human rights.
Pamoja also tells the story of how younger generations are responding to modern-day challenges brought on by inequality, climate change, racism, and discrimination. Furthermore, it tells of the new bonds of solidarity and cooperation among the youth. A panel discussion on the topic “Solidarity, Inclusion and Human Rights: Inter-Sectorial and Inter-Generational Approaches” was held on the day, consisting of 3 panelists drawn from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, a student representative from Africa University representing the youth and a senior lecturer at Africa University representing academia.
The panel discussion was followed by a public lecture on “Inclusion, Pluralism, and Human Rights: Embracing Cultural Diversity” delivered by Dr Alejandro Fuentes, a senior researcher at RWI in Sweden. The exhibition targeted the youth, and over a hundred students from various faculties at Africa University were in attendance bringing the motive of the exhibition into context. The Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Ambassador Per Lindgärde officially opened the photo exhibition.
The “Pamoja”-together change is possible, Solidarity and Human Rights Exhibition falls under the Zimbabwe Human Rights Capacity Development Programme 2019-2023, with funding from the embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe.