Vital to most positive change in society is the ability of and enabling environment for citizens to participate in the decisions and actions that most affect them.
At the heart of our interventions under the Democracy, Human Rights and Governance portfolio is the realisation that exclusion of individuals and communities from public processes is not only a denial of basic rights but contributes to marginalization, disempowerment and ultimately is a driver of poverty. It is against this background that Act! will implement interventions that will give voice to the poor and marginalised men and women and seek to increase their participation in public decision making processes.
Alongside participation, programs and projects implemented under this portfolio take a human rights-based approach and seek to hold duty bearers, specifically National and County Governments, accountable for delivery of services while at the same time enhancing transparency in public affairs.
Our programming approach includes building the capacity of communities and non-state actors to hold public officials and agencies accountable for delivery of services. We undertake research and analysis – including assessing performance of public institutions – to inform public policy proposals. We also conduct advocacy campaigns for the enactment and implementation of legislation, policies and administrative action that advances human rights and good governance. Act! also aims for a facilitative and conducive environment for civil society to grow and thrive.
Current Projects:
