Participation and governance
VSO currently works on participation and governance (P&G) in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In P&G programmes, we aim 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.
What is participation and governance?
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 or voting in elections.
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. 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.
Areas of work
Access to justice and human rights
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 justice and claim their basic rights. As a response to this, many of VSO’s country programmes address issues of gender equality in participation and governance. Other marginalised and vulnerable groups with whom we work include youth, refugees, indigenous peoples, low-caste communities, people with disabilities and people living with HIV and AIDS. VSO supports Right to Information projects, human rights advocacy and access to legal advice and assistance programmes.
Government accountability and citizen engagement
VSO works in the field of sub-national government effectiveness supporting decentralisation of service delivery and public sector reform programmes combined with improved citizen participation and engagement in decision-making. We support social accountability projects such as Citizens Committees and Citizens Score Cards.
Civil society credibility and strengthening
VSO programmes work to strengthen civil society organisations, for example, organisational development work and the building of citizen and civil society coalitions across networks.
Peace-building
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 build a culture of peace through understanding and collaboration between different groups, as well supporting people and communities to recover from the effects of conflict and violence.
How our volunteers help
Volunteers are recruited from all over the world and placed with civil society agencies and community groups to build their capacity to effectively advocate for the rights of disadvantaged people. VSO supports networks of agencies, helping those with similar agendas to learn from one another and to work together more effectively to lend weight to their advocacy.
In many countries, volunteers work directly with government agencies to help them better respond to the needs and uphold the rights of their citizens. 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.
VSO also supports national volunteering (local people and community groups volunteering for development) and seeks to build active and engaged citizens and communities who can support their own community development and have a say in local development decision-making. Diaspora volunteers also support initiatives for development in their countries of origin.
