Civil society organisations (CSOs) are crucial actors in policy discussions, advocating for improved governance and community-focused solutions. In East Africa, horizont3000, with support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), has been empowering CSOs in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania through the Policy Dialogue East Africa project. This initiative strengthens their ability to engage effectively with policymakers and push for necessary policy reforms.
The Policy Dialogue East Africa project has already delivered impactful results so far, including:
These achievements highlight the importance of building CSO capacity to influence policy effectively. However, horizont3000 recognises that further support is needed to systematise policy dialogue within CSOs and ensure it becomes a standard practice.
Many CSOs face barriers that prevent them from fully participating in policy dialogue. A lack of institutionalised strategies, limited capacity, and weak engagement structures hinder their involvement. To tackle these challenges, horizont3000 organised a capacity-building workshop in Tanzania, from 13th to 15th August 2024.
Present were participants from five Tanzanian organisations that are new to the Policy Dialogue East Africa project: Pastoralist Indigenous Non-Governmental Organizations (PINGOS Forum), Pastoral Women's Council (PwC), Women's Economy and Gender Support (WEGS), the Catholic Diocese of Same, and Community Habitat Environmental Management Program (CHEMA). Attendees included board members and staff, with 60% male and 40% female representation.
The workshop focused on providing participants with a thorough understanding of policy dialogue, including policy cycles and risk analysis. By the end, participants were well-equipped to:
Participants praised the depth and relevance of the training.
“I was particularly happy to learn the role of board members in policy dialogue and appreciated the facilitator’s methodology, who ensured that everyone understood the material by even switching languages when necessary.”
horizont3000 will continue supporting its partners in implementing the strategies learned during the workshop. With strengthened capacity and ongoing guidance, these organisations will be better prepared to engage in policy discussions and advocate for more inclusive governance.
As one participant summed up, “I learned a lot and am not leaving as I came. I now feel equipped to implement changes in my workplace.”
The continued support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the collaborative efforts of horizont3000’s East African partners have been crucial to the success of this initiative.
