Civic Participation & Governance
Inspiring Civic Participation in Emerging Democracies
Widespread illiteracy, post-conflict scenarios, weak governments and a lack infrastructure leave individuals and communities without the knowledge and resources to create accountable and fair governance systems that permit full participation by all members of society. Without an understanding of effective governance, empowered civic participation, and basic rights, marginalized individuals and communities are unaware of their ability to effect change.
Equal Access is Changing this Story
Equal Access’ innovative media programs reach out to a country’s general audience, while at the same time providing targeted training to community and local leaders. Recognizing that collective action is often the strongest form of redressing political grievances, Equal Access’ innovative projects do more than just broadcast information. Equal Access brings elected officials, community leaders, local journalists and everyday citizens together in forums, town hall meetings and community dialogue groups to discuss issues and achieve collective solutions, increasing the effectiveness of local governance. When supported by targeted, informative media and public forums, a more informed citizenry can hold leaders accountable, while newly trained leaders are able to understand the importance of being responsive to their constituents.
In Cambodia, Equal Access’ Success Begins with You drama series follows villagers from two rural communes as they solve issues affecting their communities, such as disputes around elections, land rights and crime. Read more
In Nepal, Equal Access’ INSPIRE initiative trains thousands of youth leaders in peacebuilding and civic participation. Empowered with knowledge gained at the trainings and the weekly broadcasts of Naya Nepal, young leaders continue this peer to peer training and hold community discussions on electoral engagement, the newly formed Constituent Assembly and collective solutions to hardship.
In Afghanistan, Equal Access’ ASPIRE Initiative brings citizens together with provincial and local leaders, moderate religious leaders, and local journalists for a series of trainings followed by town hall forums where human rights and local governance is explored in the context of Islam and the Afghan Constitution. Read more |
