REDIM: Promoting Civic Participation of Marginalized Groups

Abstract

The article examines adult-centrism as a cause that prevents children and youth from exercising full citizenship. It further discusses the role of young people's participation in solving complex social problems. It details the approach proposed by the Network for the Rights of Children in Mexico (REDIM), based on the principle of ‘human equality’. In this, people are deemed of equal value while recognizing that diversity requires differentiated conditions for participation. A new search protocol for forced disappearance of children and youth, which was promoted by REDIM in Mexico, is analyzed. It highlights young people’s contributions to improving success in finding victims quickly. This case confirms that enabling the participation of diverse stakeholders—especially those most affected by the problem—leads to more relevant, innovative, and effective solutions. At the same time, it shows that diversity is not sufficient; achieving authentic inclusion requires challenging cultural frameworks, creating enabling conditions to encourage full participation, translating across perspectives, and investing in long-term collaboration with different stakeholders.