Characteristic of an empowered voice Child participation WHAT IS CHILD PARTICIPATION? • An informed and willing involvement of all children including those who are disabled and those at risk, in any thing that affects them either directly or indirectly • It means that their voices are being heard.. • Appreciating the value of children’s knowledge and inputs • Adults sharing experiences and skills with children • Learning from children • Making it easy for children to make and apply decisions • Helping children and adults understand their rights and responsibilities • Sharing authority with children Empowerment • is a process that helps people gain control over their own lives and act on things that are important to them. • It is also a social process because it occurs in relationship to others An empowered voice • Your voice is not only the physical sound produced by your body but also the expression of you on a deeper level. • Like your signature, your voice is unique to you: highly nuanced, containing subtle differences and distinctions and eliciting multiple interpretations and responses. • You use your voice to advocate for yourself, share ideas, encourage others, convey your perspective, offer critique, and to bear witness to your truth. • The ability to effectively use your voice contributes to personal success. Your voice also allows access to participation in many aspects of public life. • Gaining awareness and ownership over the power of your voice can allow for increased participation in shaping your own life, your community, your nation and the world. Characteristic of empowered voice 1. People can easily hear and understand your voice. 2. I use my whole body when I speak. For Example: making eye contact and using my hands to gesture 3. I understand how my body creates my voice. 4. I am not ashamed to use my voice. 5. My voice is mine and belongs to me. 6. I feel safe using my voice to share my feelings and ideas. 7. 8 My voice has the power to make a positive impact for others 8. My voice has the power to make a positive impact for myself. 9. I use my voice to speak my truth. 10. I use my voice with responsibility and courage.
