The challenge: Effective and efficient civil society organizations have been a hallmark of successful societies, whether it is in the form of farmer’s federations, arts clubs, or other non-governmental organizations. Civil society is when citizens come together to express their shared values and interests and take action for the public good. But around the world, trends indicate that the environment for civil society is becoming more restrictive, while funding – especially for women’s organizations – is decreasing. This is at a time when civil society is needed more than ever, to provide a safeguard against instability and exclusion and help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our solution: We support diverse and active civil society at all levels, from school committees in rural villages to world-class research institutes in urban hubs. Our programs underwrite greater competency, legitimacy, accountability, and sustainability within civil society, which translates to long-term gains across our program areas. All this work is underpinned by a commitment to gender equality and pluralism, to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. A robust, efficient civil society – increasingly funded by local sources – is a key driver of the overall quality of life, both in developing and developed countries.
It was a straightforward story of exploitation. The people of the fragile Tana Delta, still recovering from tribal violence that claimed over 100 lives in September, were facing an assault on their treasured land by big business – in this case, a Canadian corporation planning a massive biofuel plantation in the region.
These are the keys to a lockbox where 12 members of a savings group in Mozambique are investing their earnings. With the return on their investments, they have been able to make basic improvements to their homes, like a freezer, an oven, a table and chairs, bowls and plates, and a roof that doesn’t leak.
