Welcome to Day 4 of Digital Health Week!
So far, we’ve explored what shapes our health, how to build sustainable workplaces, and how to promote mental wellbeing.
Today, we focus on community engagement and inclusive practices because health improvements work best when everyone in a local community is involved.
Why Community Engagement Matters
Communities are powerful. Whether it’s a market of traders, a group of artisans, or a small local business (SME), people are at the heart of change. Engaging your community ensures that health initiatives:
- Address real challenges people face every day.
- Encourage everyone to participate, not just a few.
- Promote fairness and inclusion, so no one is left out of decisions or benefits.
- Including voices that are often overlooked, like women traders, people with disability, young apprentices, or older artisans e.t.c makes initiatives stronger and more effective.
Spotlight on Inclusive Practices
Inclusive practices are simple steps that make workplaces and local communities more welcoming. For traders, artisans, and SMEs, this could mean:
- Scheduling discussions at convenient times for market hours or workshop schedules.
- Using clear, local language so everyone understands health messages.
- Sharing responsibilities fairly, so all team members or community members can contribute.
- Recognising everyone’s skills and ideas, no matter how small their role.
Success Story Example: Traders Leading Change
In a local market in Abuja, a group of traders noticed hygiene and waste issues affecting both customers and sellers. Instead of imposing rules, they held open chats during less busy hours, listened to everyone’s ideas, and agreed on simple routines, like shared cleaning schedules and safe storage of food items.
The result? A cleaner, safer market where traders felt included, valued and motivated, and customers noticed the difference.
Activities for You Today
Share Your Story: Tell a short story of how you or your team have made your market stall, workshop, or small business more inclusive.
Discussion Prompt: Ask your peers: “What small change can we make today to include someone who is often left out in our community or workplace?”
Spotlight an Inclusive Initiative: Highlight another trader, artisan, or SME in your area doing inclusion well. Celebrate it and learn from their approach.
Takeaway: Tools for Equity
To make your business, market, or community more inclusive:
Listen first: Ask questions and hear out everyone’s experiences.
Involve everyone: Make sure decisions and planning include all members of your group or team.
Be practical and flexible: Adapt routines to suit people’s schedules and roles.
Celebrate small wins: Recognise and encourage inclusion, even in simple actions.
Tip: Even small, practical changes, like sharing responsibilities, adjusting schedules, or listening to everyone’s ideas can make your workplace or community fairer, safer, and stronger.
Did you learn anything? Leave a comment!
