Why Political Literacy and Local Engagement Are Crucial for Women and LGBTI+ People from Rural Communities

For many citizens, the word politics evokes discomfort, resistance, or fatigue. It is often associated with corruption, conflict, empty promises, and a sense that “ordinary people” have little or no influence. This attitude toward politics is particularly pronounced in rural communities, where political decision-making is frequently perceived as distant, inaccessible, and reserved for a small circle of people “at the top.”

Most participants who joined the Political Activism Academy arrived with precisely this mindset. During one of the introductory discussions, a trainer opened a conversation about how politics is commonly perceived and noted that, in everyday language, politics is often described using the harshest terms — as something dirty, dishonest, or immoral, a space defined by theft, manipulation, and personal gain. Nearly all participants agreed with this description. For them, politics meant corruption and deception, a field entered only by those willing to lie, exploit others, and misuse power for personal benefit.

However, already through the first two modules of the Academy, this perception began to shift. Participants gradually came to understand that politics itself is not inherently the problem; rather, the problem lies in how it is used. Politics started to be recognized as a tool — one that can serve the public good and improve the quality of life in a community, but that is too often abused for individual interests. This change in perspective marked one of the most important turning points in their relationship to political engagement.

Politics as Part of Everyday Life

Politics is frequently misunderstood as being limited to party competition or election campaigns. In reality, politics is far broader and present in almost every aspect of daily life: decisions about local budgets, access to healthcare and social services, education, public transportation, as well as issues of safety and protection from discrimination.

In rural communities, where resources are more limited, these decisions have an even more immediate impact. When a local clinic is closed, a public transport line is cancelled, or funding for social services is reduced, the consequences are felt instantly. This is precisely why understanding local politics and decision-making mechanisms becomes a crucial factor in determining quality of life.

A commonly repeated saying goes: “If you don’t engage in politics, politics will engage you.” While it may sound like a cliché, Academy participants came to realize through discussion and practice that this statement carries very real meaning. Choosing not to participate in political processes does not mean neutrality — it often means allowing others to make decisions on one’s behalf, without any opportunity to influence the outcome.

What Do We Mean by Political Literacy?

Political literacy does not necessarily imply an intention to run for office or join a political party. Rather, it refers to a basic understanding of political systems and decision-making processes, especially at the local level. This includes knowing who makes decisions in a municipality or city, how local councils function, how budgets are adopted, and how citizens can participate through public hearings, initiatives, or consultations.

For many Academy participants, politics had previously felt abstract and closed off. Through educational modules and practical exercises, they began to understand that there are concrete and accessible ways to engage, and that political knowledge is not reserved exclusively for an elite group.

Rural Context and Additional Barriers

Political illiteracy is not an individual failure, but often the result of structural conditions. In rural communities, access to information is more limited, political power is frequently concentrated in the hands of a few individuals, and informal networks exert significant influence. Additionally, the “everyone knows everyone” dynamic can create fear of public exposure or of expressing dissenting views.

For women and LGBTI+ people, these barriers are even more pronounced. Gender roles, social expectations, and stigma further restrict space for political participation. Many participants shared that they had previously believed politics was accessible only to a select few — those with connections, those already in power, or those who are easily manipulated. As a result, they felt neither the motivation nor the desire to become politically involved.

Throughout the Academy, this sense of powerlessness began to change. Participants realized that change is possible, particularly when they are not alone. Support from trainers, mentors, and organizers — as well as solidarity within the group — enabled them to learn, through practical exercises, how to initiate change in their local communities. Some participants even began launching concrete initiatives in their towns during the course of the Academy.

Political Illiteracy as a Mechanism for Maintaining Power

Lack of political knowledge does not affect everyone equally. Political illiteracy often benefits those already in positions of power, who have little interest in changing existing power structures. When citizens do not understand how systems function, they are less likely to recognize abuses, demand accountability, or organize around shared interests.

In this sense, political literacy serves a broader social function. It contributes to transparency, accountability, and the democratization of decision-making processes. Academy participants came to recognize that political knowledge is not only a personal asset, but also a tool for strengthening the entire community.

Local Engagement as a First Step

One of the key messages emphasized throughout the Academy was that political engagement does not have to begin with candidacy or formal party membership. The local level offers numerous opportunities for involvement: participating in public consultations, initiating community actions, collaborating with council members, joining advisory bodies, or advocating for concrete local changes.

For women and LGBTI+ people from rural communities, local engagement often represents a safer and more accessible entry point into political life. By understanding local processes, participants can build confidence, develop public speaking skills, and establish connections with other actors in their communities.

The Role of the Political Activism Academy in Empowerment

The Political Activism Academy was designed as a response to the need for knowledge, support, and a safe space for learning. Although participants arrived without knowing one another and with unclear expectations, an atmosphere of trust, belonging, and mutual support quickly developed. Many participants highlighted the strong sense of community and solidarity they experienced, noting that they no longer felt alone in their desire to create change.

Through its structured modules, the Academy provides participants with knowledge about political systems, as well as practical skills for public engagement, supported by mentorship and networking opportunities that extend beyond the formal duration of the program.

Conclusion: Knowledge as a Prerequisite for Change

Political literacy is not an elite skill reserved for professional politicians. It is a fundamental tool for understanding the society we live in and for actively participating in shaping it. For women and LGBTI+ people from rural communities, political literacy and local engagement are essential steps toward greater visibility, security, and equality.

The experiences of the Political Activism Academy demonstrate that change becomes possible when knowledge, support, and safe learning spaces are placed at the center of empowerment processes. Instead of withdrawing from politics, participants began the process of understanding it and taking an active role within their communities. This is where the potential for long-term change lies — in empowered individuals who understand how systems function and how they can act within them.

This activity was supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives through the project “Building Political Power in the Margins: Strengthening Civic Participation of Rural Women and LGBTI+ People in Tuzla Canton through Education, Skills Training, and Community-Based Advocacy.” We are grateful to Canada for its contribution to this project through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.