When we talk about public policy, it’s easy to picture closed-door meetings and dense reports written by “experts.” But what if we flipped the narrative and put ordinary people, and their lived experiences, at the center of decision-making? This is where inclusive policy design, especially at the grassroots level, becomes not just important, but essential.
Inclusive policymaking means involving diverse voices, particularly those who have historically been left out of the conversation. Too often, policies get crafted in echo chambers, favoring the interests of the powerful and leaving marginalized communities unheard. The result? Policies that don’t solve real problems or, worse, perpetuate existing inequalities. When grassroots communities are part of the conversation, policy changes, from a new clinic in the neighborhood to a local public safety initiative , are more likely to reflect actual needs and promote long-term equity and trust.
Lived experience is a form of expertise. The people facing challenges firsthand, whether it’s lack of affordable housing, barriers in education, or unequal access to healthcare, are uniquely qualified to propose solutions. By empowering these “experts by experience,” we create policies that are grounded, relevant, and innovative. Their involvement doesn’t just help marginalized groups; it enriches society as a whole and strengthens our democracy .
But equity doesn’t happen by accident. For real inclusion, barriers to participation (like financial constraints, lack of childcare, or simply not knowing how to get involved) must be removed. Providing supports like stipends for attending meetings or childcare at public events levels the playing field and ensures no voice is left behind.
Modern technology also offers new ways for grassroots engagement. Social media, online forums, and digital tools can bridge gaps, connect communities, and open up decision-making—making it easier for people to engage no matter where they are.
At the end of the day, truly inclusive policies are more legitimate, effective, and sustainable. They reflect the wisdom and needs of all, not just a select few. That’s how we move from top-down solutions to real progress for everyone (Public Sphere Project, 2025; Salzburg Global Seminar, 2022).
The SIT initiative
The Shaping Inclusive Transitions (SIT) initiative aligns seamlessly with the above discussion on inclusive policymaking, serving as a practical, context-specific example of how such approaches can be implemented in Southern Africa. While the initial passage outlines the rationale for placing lived experience at the centre of policymaking, the SIT initiative demonstrates how these ideas can be translated into action.
At its core, SIT operationalises inclusive policymaking by convening community engagements in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. These engagements are designed to centre the voices of women, indigenous groups, and marginalised communities those most affected by climate change and energy poverty. This grassroots participation is not merely symbolic; it ensures that policy proposals are grounded in the lived realities and traditional knowledge of those facing the challenges first-hand.
The concept that lived experience constitutes a form of expertise is strongly reinforced in SIT’s methodology. By actively seeking input from local communities, the initiative places those most affected at the heart of shaping policy responses. It values indigenous knowledge systems and embraces gender-responsive approaches, ensuring that Africa’s climate and green economy strategies reflect the diversity of perspectives across the continent.
Furthermore, the SIT initiative recognises that real participation must overcome structural barriers. Its commitment to accessible engagement whether through regional inputs, hybrid formats, or collaboration with media partners to amplify community stories echoe the Salzburg Statement’s emphasis on removing practical obstacles such as financial constraints or a lack of information. This is a deliberate effort to move away from the ‘closed-door’ policymaking that has traditionally excluded those without institutional power.
Importantly, SIT also establishes a clear feedback loop: for grassroots dialogues to directly inform policy briefs, working papers, and advocacy strategies presented at global forums such as the G20 and COP30. This approach embodies the idea that bottom-up processes lead to more legitimate, effective, and sustainable outcomes, ensuring that Africa’s voice on the global stage is not only present but authentically grounded.
In essence, the SIT initiative serves as a model for transformative governance in Africa. It challenges the status quo of top-down, technocratic decision-making and champions an approach where policy is informed and driven by those who live with its consequences. Together, the SIT initiative and the principles of inclusive policymaking outlined earlier offer a powerful vision for a just, representative, and impactful green transition.
References
Public Sphere Project. (2025). Grassroots Public Policy Development. [online] Available at: https://www.publicsphereproject.org/content/grassroots-public-policy-development [Accessed 23 July 2025].
Salzburg Global Seminar. (2022). The Salzburg Statement on Creating Inclusive Public Policy. [pdf] Available at: https://www.salzburgglobal.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/2020-2029/2022/S745-01/SalzburgGlobal_Statement_PPNVE.pdf [Accessed 23 July 2025].
Author: Wassila Ibrahim
Research Fellow
