Empowering Civil Society Organizations in Ethiopia
The new "Capacity Development Program for Local and Grassroots CSOs" under the EU funded CSF+ Program aims to enhance the capacity of local and grassroots organizations in Ethiopia to participate in governance and policy processes.
In 2018, political reforms marked a fresh beginning for Ethiopia's civil society, allowing Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to engage in rights-based advocacy and democratic processes. While these reforms represented a critical shift, Ethiopia's CSOs encountered significant challenges stemming from financial and operational limitations, constraining their ability to engage in policy development meaningfully. Enter the "Capacity Development Program for Local and Grassroot CSOs" program (CDP-Lg CSOs program), co-funded by the European Union and Welthungerhilfe (WHH), specifically designed to address these core challenges and strengthen the governance and development roles of Ethiopia's CSOs.
Support for Local and Grassroots CSOs
The CDP-Lg CSOs program's primary objective is to strengthen local and grassroots civil society organizations, associations, and networks in Ethiopia. It seeks to equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary to contribute to governance and development in the country actively. As it stands, the program aims to support and enhance the capacity of 70 local CSOs and grassroots organizations, ensuring they become active participants in evidence-based policy dialogue, influencing reform processes at national, regional, and local levels.
Beyond these core objectives, the CDP-Lg CSOs program has set its sights on shifting the prevailing negative perception of CSOs in Ethiopia. It strives to encourage the government's proactive involvement of CSOs in policy debates, democratization efforts, and the design and implementation of development programs. In tandem, the program seeks to mobilize the public to demand that CSOs voice their concerns, creating an atmosphere where the voices of the marginalized are heard and acted upon.
Building Partnerships and Networks for Change
The CDP-Lg CSOs program is not a standalone effort; it places a strong emphasis on forging partnerships and networks for knowledge exchange. By connecting CSOs, associations, and networks, the program ensures that collective learning and shared experiences become catalysts for transformative change. This collaborative approach will also create an enabling environment that encourages government engagement and collaboration.
A rights-based approach (RBA) lies at the heart of the program's design and implementation. Through capacity building, CSF+ will empower CSOs with a deep understanding of RBA concepts and how to integrate them into their work. This approach ensures that their efforts are firmly rooted in the principles of human rights, social justice, and equality.
A Path to Peace and Social Cohesion
At its core, the CDP-Lg CSOs program recognizes the need to enhance social cohesion, inclusion, and peaceful transformation within Ethiopian communities. It will support various grassroots institutions, including traditional and newly formed groups. This support is particularly critical in addressing conflicts arising from natural resource competition, a recurring challenge in many communities. Moreover, the program seeks to establish linkages with government peacebuilding initiatives wherever possible.
Objectives of the Program
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