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VSO's goals > Participation and governance
VSO currently works on Participation and Governance (P&G) in 14 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. In P&G programmes, VSO aims to support the development of the governance systems, structures, policies, and practice that empower disadvantaged people to participate in the decisions that affect their lives.
Within this area of work VSO defines participation and governance in distinct ways. When we refer to participation we are talking about disadvantaged people being able to exercise their rights and responsibilities, and to access the basic services to which they are entitled. In order for them to be able to do this, they need to be able to actively participate in mainstream decision-making processes, for example by having a say in local development plans for education, health or water supply services.
Although women make up half the population, they are systematically under-represented in decision-making processes at all levels, and therefore less able to access their basic rights. Therefore, all P&G programmes address issues of gender equity. Other marginalised and vulnerable groups with whom we work include youth, indigenous peoples, low-caste communities, people with disabilities and people living with HIV & AIDS.
Political, social and economic marginalisation along religious or ethnic lines is often a root cause of conflict between different communities, so some of our work also has a peace-building element. This includes activities that encourage understanding between different groups , as well developing mechanisms for people to manage conflict in a positive way in order to avoid resorting to violence.
Governance is about power, relationships and accountability: who has influence, whose voice is heard, who makes decisions, and how decision-makers are held to account. As such ‘good governance’ is an issue for all individuals, agencies and organisations (state, private sector and civil society) that hold power in making decisions affecting access to rights.
Given the interdependence between participation and governance, our work in this goal takes into account both issues in different ways appropriate to individual country contexts. In broad terms, our work is concerned with supporting the development of well-governed, politically active civil society organisations and responsive and accountable government institutions. By politically active, we mean organisations that are trying to influence decision-making, for example by advocating for the rights of disadvantaged people. An important element of this work is helping to facilitate dialogue between civil society and government.
Volunteers work with civil society organisations to build their capacity to effectively advocate for the rights of disadvantaged people, but also to ensure they too practice good governance. This means being more representative of, and responsive and accountable to, those they claim to represent. In this way, we help build both civil society capacity and credibility. VSO also supports networks of organisations, helping those with similar agendas to learn from one another and to work together more effectively to lend weight to their advocacy.
In some countries, volunteers work directly with government agencies to help them better respond to the needs and uphold the rights of their citizens. VSO also supports improvements in government by working with organisations that themselves are building the capacity of institutions and elected representatives or councillors. All our work to support government agencies is concerned with improving their ability to respond to people’s needs, and to be transparent and accountable to all their constituents, so that the services they deliver meet the needs and fulfil the rights of all people, including the most disadvantaged.
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