The Politics of Democratic Governance

"Through organising we get growing confidence and strength and can put our demands before government because we know our legal rights.’  Geeta, SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Organisation) India, speaking at One World Action seminar in March.

Activists from the forefront of democracy building in India, Indonesia, Guatemala, Malawi, Nicaragua, Zambia, , Thailand, the Philippines, Brazil and the UK came together with policy-makers, researchers, trade unionists and NGos to talk about how poor and marginalised people are organising to have their voices heard, influence and shape decisions. 

In Malawi, MANET+ is working with people living with HIV/AIDS to enable them to articulate their needs and challenge stigma and discrimination.

In Nicaragua and Guatemala, Grupo Venancia and Tierra Viva, feminist political organisations, are developing advocacy agendas to increase women’s political participation and address issues of reproductive rights and gender violence.

In Zambia, the National Women’s Lobby has mobilised to increase the number of women representatives in government.

In India, SEWA is enabling poor women workers to learn about and exercise their rights.

In Thailand, the Campaign for Popular Democracy has set out an alternative constitution establishing a progressive social contract.

In Indonesia and the Philippines, civil society activists have taken the route of establishing new social-movement-based political parties to represent the interests of the poor and marginalised. 

In depth

We work hand in hand with our partner organisations and we influence decision-makers to change policies that affect the poorest communities.

Only by doing both can we help to bring about real change.