Short project description:
D4D has identified two challenges/problems it seeks to address with this project: (a) the low level of dialogue between civil society and public authorities, which is expected to become more difficult with e-governance and digitalization, and (b) directly related to the issue of inadequate public transport (cost and frequency of routes) between villages and cities, which has resulted in unemployment in rural areas and a lack of quality of life, driving residents to migrate to cities.
Some of the key social challenges affecting women and rural communities include: the lack of preschool care, the absence of additional activities (language courses, sports), finding employment in rural areas, and the inability to access adequate transport to urban areas where sufficient job opportunities exist. These issues lead to consequences such as unemployment, migration, social empowerment, and inadequate education.
Project goal(s): The policy-making and decision-making process will become more participatory through dialogue between civil society (women’s groups) and public authorities, resulting in a decision (e.g., subsidizing public transport between rural and urban areas as a means) to reduce unemployment and inactivity rates in the labour market, and consequently improve the quality of life in rural areas.
Target groups and beneficiaries: Rural areas where unemployed women and men can find work in the city
Main activities:
- Mobilization of activists and formation of an advocacy group around the topic
- Coaching trainings for research skills, public policy analysis, media presentation, public speaking, advocacy, ways of discussion, and moderation
- Infographics and short videos for advocacy and public awareness
- Stakeholder meetings and formation of a discussion/work group in collaboration with public authorities
- Discussion paper on 3-5 ways to address the problem
- Monitoring implementation by the decision-making level
- Drawing lessons and presenting findings in a regional roundtable for replication in other places
