Equitable Governance: Shifting the Power for a more equitable and just society

This is a collective voice coming from the Grass-root Community of Pakistan. Who are eagerly waiting for more Equitable and Just society. Where women and transgenders hold equal power where their voices matter, where the legal system is equal for all, right to life, right to dignity and right to education is equal for all. Local communities have power to influence on the policies that are affecting them. Where important discussions and decisions are made with more inclusive approach. Grassroot organizations struggle for funds and resources due to more technical and systematic approach which can be changed by placing more strengthened monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Due to lack of skills, knowledge and awareness maybe the grassroot community is lagging behind. Barriers of language, literacy and social norms can be challenging. Centralized system with the lobbied group always lacks transparency and accountability. More effective way of communication where community members specially women community members are aware of how the resources are being used.

What we demand : Inclusive decision making ; To implement policies that mandates the inclusion of community member. To establish Advisory councils or committee which include voices from the community Participatory Budgeting; To allocate a portion of the budget to be managed by the community groups allowing them to decide on funding priorities. Decentralizd Governance;Transfer more authority and resources to local government and grass root organization to strengthen them

Some Recommendations #Shiftthepower: Continuous Capacity Building specially or WRO's , Community led Monitoring and Evaluation (to develop the systems and strengthen them), Flexible funding models , value local knowledge and Collaborative leadership are some areas that need focus and improvement for such an important initiative