Programs: Advocacy, Civil Society Building and Institutional Development

Countries: Angola

In 1998, when ADF designed the Increased Citizens’ Participation project, Angola was a country struggling to resolve the division, violence, and destruction resulting from 30 years of civil war. The country was divided between two rival factions that, at the time, were working to implement the Lusaka Protocol and negotiate the complex and delicate transition from war to peace. Although significant improvements in political conditions had occurred over the previous three years, by the time the ICP project began new hostilities had broken out and peace was once again threatened. Preoccupied with security problems, the Government of National Unity and Reconciliation was also struggling to determine the shape of a democratic Angola.

 

The goal of the ICP was to strengthen civic participation in political life through community-based citizens’ organizations that address the concrete problems of their members. The project assisted CSOs to develop organizational and advocacy skills, to create public support, to strengthen their membership base, and to create effective mechanisms and coalitions for working with local government to facilitate change. The project was active in four provinces: Luanda, Bengo, Huila, and Namibe.

 

Over 100 Angolan CSOs (primarily community-based organizations) and six government agencies gained an understanding of the principles and techniques of advocacy and developed skills in planning campaigns. Almost 50% of the CSOs trained applied the techniques they had learned by conducting or participating in advocacy campaigns.

 

Twenty-one advocacy campaigns were conducted by CSOs to influence program, policies and practices related to issues ranging from domestic violence to freedom of the press. These campaigns mobilized the participation of tens of thousand of Angolans through petition drives, public forums, and other means.

 

For example, Associaçao Amizade Solidaridade (AAS) launched an appeal for the reduction of violence against women. The CSO conducted an information campaign on domestic abuse in two municipalities in the outskirts of Luanda. AAS trained 75 women in recognizing and referring cases of violence against women to police. Significantly, they obtained the agreement of local police authorities to intervene in cases of domestic violence and collect data on violence against women.

 

Consultation and dialogue on policy between CSOs and government officials was expanded. Ten campaigns included CSO consultation with the National Assembly and GOA. CSOs held more than 300 consultation meetings in which they dialogued with government over issues important to them. Six public forums were held.