Municipal Governance Program QUARTERLY REPORT

MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAM AID 524 -10 - 00006

Municipal Governance Program

QUARTERLY REPORT

April 01 – June 30, 2018

MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAM AID 524 -10 - 00006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACRONYMS……………………………………………………………………………………….3

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY……………………………………………………………..4

II. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS……………………………………………...6

MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAM AID 524 -10 - 00006

ACRONYMS

ARC Appreciative Review of Capacity

CIG Interagency Gender Commission CoMAJ Municipal Committee of Adolescents and Youth CSO Civil Society Organization

DGI General Income Directorate DPO Disabled Person’s Organization ENATEL National Electric Transmission Company GR General Budget of the Republic

GRACCN Autonomous Regional Government of the North Caribbean Coast INPESCA National Fishing Institute LGBT Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual

MGP Municipal Governance Program MIFAM Ministry of Family Affairs MINED Ministry of Education

MTI Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure NGO Non-Governmental Organization OCD Organizational Capacity Development

ODHA Human and Autonomy Rights PCD Persons with Disabilities PwD Person with Disabilities

RACCN Northern Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region RACCS Southern Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region TRANSMUNI Municipal Transfer System

UNICAM University in the Field

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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Component 1: Citizen Participation Activities Promoted

List the major activities undertaken List Key Achievements by Activity Indicate the status of during the review period that these activities in contributed to the activity relation to approved objective/results. action/work plan and schedule. If different from work plan, why? Social monitoring actions • 4 social monitoring videos created by youth group Complete members, following up on important youth issues in their communities Implemented trainings, workshops, and • 80 youth from Bluefields and El Bluff (60% Complete meetings for community groups women) participated in a workshop on the culture of peace and violence prevention. • 57 youth from Corn Island (20 women) participated in a workshop on techniques and tools for creating experimental videos for social activism. • 55 indigenous, Afrodescendent, and mestizo youth (72% women), participated in territorial dialogues in Laguna de Perlas, as part of the participatory development of the Regional Youth Policy1. • 90 youth (50% women) from the communities and neighborhoods of El Rama participated in a meeting of sports leagues, in order to learn more about youth activities. 4 meetings of the youth round table of • Work plan to complete regional youth agenda has Ongoing the RAACS. been established and agreed. Designed a user-friendly version of law • Design completed; will be printed next quarter. Ongoing 445 and law 28 on the rights of Afrodescendent and indigenous peoples. 6 workshops held in 4 indigenous • 262 leaders from 4 territorial governments (30% Ongoing RACCN territories to produce women) participated in various workshops and regulations governing land rights and trainings on governance of communal property land conflict mediation and administration of natural resources. Citizen Innovation Activities • Completed investigation of ancestral Miskitu Complete / Ongoing Implemented practices for prevention of gender based violence, stories and brochures will be use by Nidia White in schools and campaigns. • Launch of a website to facilitate claims of violations of consumer rights, and production of a campaign to promote use of the site. • Launch of a website to facilitate complaints and raise awareness of street harassment, and production of a campaign to promote use of the site. Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) • 46 leaders of DPOs on the Caribbean Coast Supported validated and finalized their Municipal Agenda for

1 As noted in previous reports, the Regional Youth Policy will be a document promoted by the Regional government of the Southern Caribbean Autonomous Region, which will establish guidelines and standards for working with youth in the region, and will involve buy-in from local police, Ministry of Education, INATEC (Nicaraguan national technical institute), and is being coordinated by local parter Bluefields Indian Caribbean University (BICU). MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAM AID 524 -10 - 00006

2018-2022, and will now use it as an advocacy tool to further the rights of disabled persons. • 65 women leaders of DPOs on the Caribbean Coast have increased organizational capacity and knowledge of gender equality issues. • Publication of life stories of 10 women with disabilities and or caretakers of disabilities, which celebrates their lives and promotes their rights. • DPO FECONORI increases its coordination with the municipal government of Bluefields, which has committed to regular coordination meetings with FECONORI, and is currently rehabilitating an office space for their use, which will allow for sustainability and ongoing advocacy.

Organizational Development

Component 2: Fiscal Transparency (completed in FY17)

Component 3: Climate Change Adaptation (completed in Q1FY18)

Component 4: EPP

List the major activities undertaken List Key Achievements by Activity Indicate the status of during the review period that these activities in relation contributed to the activity to approved action/work objective/results. plan and schedule. If different from work plan, why? Systemization of component • Finalization of systemization document, which Completed, will be will allow other civil society organizations to published next quarter adopt best practices in the creation of community-validated participatory municipal agendas for vulnerable groups.

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PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Citizen Participation

2.1 Completion of BICU project for the strengthening of operational capacity of the COMAJ.

On June 30th, the project implemented by the Observatory on Human and Autonomy Rights of the Bluefields Indian & Caribbean University (ODAH-BICU), a partner organization of the MGP since 2013, came to a close. Through this project and the four implemented by BICU previously, the MGP has contributed to the strengthening of the youth organizational structure and to the exercise of citizenship among the youth of the Caribbean Coast, who have learned and put into practice tools and strategies to influence municipal budgets and monitor the use of public resources. They reflected on their own life experiences and adopted more equitable gender relations, and young women have achieved greater prominence within the CoMAJ.

Through the systematization of these five projects executed by ODHA BICU, the youth and other key actors interviewed reaffirmed the organizational strengthening and sustainability of the CoMAJ. Several of the results are identified below:

1. Increase in the participation of young women, from 35-40% to more than 63% in all localities. Not only have there been higher numbers of female participation in CoMAJ activities, but also in key roles such as work commissions and as board members. 2. For adolescents and youth, the knowledge gained through participation in CoMAJ activities is an extremely relevant tool to share with other young persons through workshops facilitated by the youth themselves. Training content has included laws that support civic participation, human rights, gender workshops, leadership, human trafficking, and recreational methodologies. 3. Parents showed interest in their children’s participation in the CoMAJ. In the majority of cases, children received an invitation to participate in the CoMAJ from friends who were active members of the organization. 4. In the last three years, thanks to the influence of the CoMAJ, 219 projects were presented to municipal governments, and 68 were approved and included in municipal budgets (51 of the 219 were presented in FY18, and 22 of the 68 were approved in FY18).

The opportunity to exercise civic participation through budgetary consultations and municipal council sessions was highlighted as a key lesson learned and good practice adopted by CoMAJ members. Also worth noting is the level of knowledge appropriation, evident in the leadership taken on by youth as key actors in the planning process and their participation in municipal administration. Key actors also identified the perceived changes in trust, self-esteem and youth safety.

2.2 Actions to promote good governance in indigenous territories. MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAM AID 524 -10 - 00006

Through FADCANIC, MGP is supporting four Indigenous Territorial Governments in the Northern Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region: Amasau, Tawira, Wangki Twi Tasba Raya and Twi Yahbra. This quarter, the project made progress in the areas of rules and regulations governing the administration of and resolution of conflicts over communal property rights, and strengthening of internal institutions to enact those regulations. The Indigenous Territorial Governments have made progress in the review and approval of regulations, as well as conducting surveys with third parties claimants on communal land, in order to identify land that is being occupied illegally, and to allow territorial governments to decide on an appropriate resolution mechanism. This initial phase of the project will conclude with the completion of governance regulations of Twi Yahbra and Wangki Twi Tasba Raya, as well as the validation of the Tawira fishing arrangements and a database for third-party claimant legal surveys.

Workshop on Geographic Information Systems for the legal surveys of third party land claimants. May 2018 Bilwi – RACCN.

2.3 Board of Directors of Disabled Persons Organizations validate and adopt Municipal Agendas as an advocacy tool for the remainder of municipal government terms.

The board of the Federation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (FECONORI) and the key leaders of its partner organizations in Bluefields, Laguna de Perlas, and Corn Island approved the Municipal Agendas for the inclusion of persons with disabilities as an advocacy tool for their organization. These agendas were drafted, validated, and presented to authorities, social sectors, and the public during the municipal electoral campaign of 2017.

This project validation allowed incorporation of suggestions and observations expressed by the general public and persons with disabilities during the electoral process. The few changes focused on increasing the diversity of people who appeared in the photos, along with emphasizing certain terms and the occasional format adjustment. 5,800 agendas were printed, 3,000 for Bluefields, 1,500 for Laguna de Perlas and 1,300 for Corn Island, all of which will be used to continue awareness- building among authorities, public officials, entrepreneurs and citizens during the 2018-2022 term of municipal governments.

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2.4 Women with disabilities and their caregivers complete gender equality training cycle.

65 women with disabilities and caregivers of persons with disabilities from FECONORI consolidated their collective identity and demonstrated greater participation, collaboration, empathy and solidarity in relation to their life stories by completed the cycle of five training sessions on gender equity and organizational strengthening.

Beginning in February of this year, 27 women from Bluefields, 23 from Laguna de Perlas, and 15 from Corn Island were trained on topics of self-esteem, camaraderie, the role of gender, sexuality, cycles of violence, violence against women, sexual harassment, and discrimination. In all three municipalities, the participants pledged to continue working together, getting more colleagues involved, and arranging with other social actors in the municipality to manage their support and promote joint actions.

In Bluefields, a gender actions committee was formed, comprised of representatives from all organizations of persons with disabilities. In Laguna de Perlas, they organized into four community- level structures to facilitate the meetings and coordinate work (in Haulover, Awas, Raitipura, and Laguna de Perlas). Even though the current project was ending, the group made a commitment to continue working on their own, as a gropu and in their personal lives, to promote unity, understanding, solidarity and collective empathy.

2.5 Materials promoting rights of women and persons with disabilities produced and printed

Women with disabilities from Bluefields (13) and Laguna de Perlas (3) from FECONORI partner organizations validated drafts of two educational brochures promoting the rights of women with disabilities and women caregivers, and family responsibility in the care for persons with disabilities and the elderly. After these drafts were validated, 3,000 copies of each brochure were printed and will be used for a campaign in support of the rights of women with disabilities and female caregivers of persons with disabilities.

In addition, Overcoming the Barriers that Exclude us: Testimonies of Women with Disabilities and Caregivers, was made finalized and printed. This book features ten life stories of women with disabilities and female caregivers from Bluefields (4), Laguna de Perlas (3) and Corn Island (3); portraying the dignity and strength behind each woman's story. The idea of creating this book arose from meetings held by the women, as they wished to highlight their rights, demands, and proposals, while at the same time recognizing women who are living examples for persons with disabilities and the community at large.

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Front and back cover of: Overcoming the Barriers that Exclude us: Testimonies of Women with Disabilities and Caregivers

2.6 FECONORI sustainability promoted through monthly coordination meetings with the municipality

The Municipal Board of Directors of FECONORI Bluefields met with the mayor and the city manager to follow up on their Municipal Agenda promoting rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. The commitments made during the meeting are essential to the sustainability of the organizations and to increase the rights of its members. Below are the key commitments agreed upon during the meeting: • Finish remodeling the offices granted to FECONORI by the municipality of Bluefields. • Complete rehabilitation of the office of Los Pipitos. • The construction of access ramps in public spaces where needed, starting with the Madre del Divino Pastor school. • Resume the identification of families of persons with disabilities (PwD) whose homes are in poor condition, in order to advocate to municipal authorities for support in the rehabilitation of these homes. • Strengthen communication and coordination through two courses of action: o Improve communication with the city clerk, who is tasked with liaising with PwDs. o Hold regular meetings with the Municipal Board of Directors of FECONORI and the mayor to follow up on needed actions.

2.7 FECONORI advocacy leads to municipal provision of office space

The Bluefields municipal authority has begun repairing the office that will serve as the headquarters for 6 organizations for persons with disabilities (the 6 organizations are all FECONORI members), in line with the assessment and recommendations made by the BICU School of Engineering.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAM AID 524 -10 - 00006

The Board of Directors of FECONORI Bluefields have named Roberto Silva, Vice President of the Association of Pensioners with Disability and Retirees (APPDJ), to coordinate the repair work and verify that the agreements are fulfilled with the municipal authority. Silva actively participates in the repair activities, ensuring that they are carried out in accordance with what was agreed upon.

The site before repair Repairing the site and creating divisions

Organizational Development

2.8 Educational version of Law on Women’s Rights (779) completed and printed

During the quarter, the educational version of Law 779 was printed, providing guidance on the content and better use of this law, in an easy-to-understand popular language. This document was requested by several of the partner organizations as a tool to train their leaders and provide them with the tools to disseminate knowledge on this law. The publication illustrated the possibilities and limitations of the law, drawing on examples of everyday life, and offers best practices for the use of the law in defense of women’s rights.

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Citizen Participation in Electoral Processes

2.9 Community groups follow up on Municipal Agenda themes

Women and youth groups kept track of agenda topics, such as solid waste pollution and electric power supply in their communities, by continuing to participate in community-level meetings and planning follow-up meetings with municipal authorities. Groups have discussed the monitoring of the first 100 days of the elected municipal governments, and have been able (in Camoapa) to obtain commitments from the mayor to consider priorities from the Municipal Agendas for inclusion in next year’s municipal budget. This shows the success of the agendas as an advocacy tool for community groups.

2.10 Local partner organizations strengthen grassroots groups

In Mateare, the Center for Studies and Social Promotion (CEPS) provided support to grassroots groups (8 men and 7 women) through training sessions and reflections on sexual and reproductive health, and a social audit plan was developed by the program youth in order to follow up on municipal investment and policies on sexual and reproductive health. In Villa El Carmen, where the youth network was recently formed, it was determined that youth sexual and reproductive health is an issue of public interest. In Ciudad Sandino, CEPS held work sessions with their program-supported youth group in organizational aspects related to its mission, vision and principles.

2.11 Systematization of the civic participation component in the electoral process

The systematization of experiences of six partner organizations throughout the implementation of their projects was completed this quarter. The partner teams, along with local leaders and activists, reviewed documents and participated in reflective sessions and group interviews with leaders.

The systematization document provides a description and analysis of the process and of each one of the partner experiences, and compiles lessons learned and good practices that can be replicated by actors who promote citizen participation at the local, municipal and national levels. The final stage, in which the final report is validated and enhanced with collective reflections, has been postponed due to the current political and social situation in Nicaragua, with the expectation that this will be implemented once conditions are favorable.

The systematization process identified the key role of community activities in promoting agendas. This allowed the public and leaders of each locality to take ownership of their agendas and support the approaches expressed in the documents; which in turn contributed to strengthening the concept of the agendas as management tools for liaising with municipal authorities and other social actors. Additionally, the media’s role was highlighted along with an emphasis that partner organizations placed on communication in order to bring attention to public activities and processes.

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Citizen Innovation Fund

2.12 Research completed on the identification of ancestral practices that reduce violence against women

The Nidia White Women’s Movement concluded a study this quarter in three Miskito communities on ancestral practices that foster community action in response to violence against women. The study took place in the communities of Auhya Pihni (700 years old), Yolu (600 years old) and Tuara (120 years old), all located in the surrounding areas of Bilwi. The research team worked with elders from the communities to identify traditions and customs that contribute to the construction of safe communities for women and children. Four practices were identified:

1. Maisa Wilkan Daknika (Group tied together at the belt) is a practice that refers to solidarity between groups and occurs when respected members of the community (usually hardworking males) who know one another and identify as a group join together for any project that may arise. Given that it is predicated on well-respected people, this principle could be replicated for use in the protection of women against acts of violence. That is, small groups based on Maisa Wilkan Daknika (made up of both men and women) could be formed to implement measures of mutual care, reporting complaints, assistance, and support. 2. Kasak Ka Laka (honesty, correctness) and Kulkan Ka Laka (respect) are the principles that govern legal matters, and consist of the exercise of honest and respectful behavior. Any action that offends a community member, causes physical or verbal harm, or damages community property must pass through a community legal procees, and receives sanctions in accordance with the offense. These pricnipals, which highlight respect and honest behavior, could be operationalized through community dialogues about the meaning of each of these practices, and how they apply to cases of gender violence. 3. Taika Nani Daknika (family units) is a practice that takes into account the concept of extended families that are related by blood and kinship. Taika Nani Daknika is evident in food production and protection against violence. 4. Ma Mana (seed payment) is related to the fact that some families harvest food before others. As a result, other families ask to borrow seed on loan. Once the other families collect their harvest, they return what was loaned. This refers to a code of conduct in which one is fully expected to honor one’s word. This practice could be broadened so that women do not have to endure violent situations for economic reasons, nor suffer distress.

Lastly, the study identified the concept of Tawan Lamni (safe community), which, for its members, is “a calm community; at peace, without violence, without crime, without scandals, without disputes, and with freedom, but with rules and protection measures to prevent violence."

Drawing on these practices, the Nidia White Women’s Movement prepared four communication products that focused on protection for women and children, as follows:

1. Brochures on good practices for community protection (600 copies). 2. Community guide for the prevention of, warning, and action against gender-based violence (800 copies). MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE PROGRAM AID 524 -10 - 00006

3. An animated story, “Yumina y el Cayuco de la Libertad,” to be read in community schools (150 copies). 4. A radio program recorded in Miskito, which, drawing on ancestral practices, focuses on the prevention of violence.

Brochure on good practices Community guide Animated story Yumina

2.13 Art and technology in support of human rights

One of the most innovative strategies among the partner organizations of MGP has been the use of art and technology to prevent violence against women. Through art exhibitions (painting, sculpture and photography), MGP has managed to transmit the results of research on instances of harassment and gender-based violence experienced by women (ranging from 9 to 60 years old). The exhibitions were shown in three different locations in Managua, attended by approximately 240 people. The five artists who participated (one man and four women) stated that this experience allowed them to meet, form connections, and above all, learn how to use their skills and talents to respond to a social issue.

To invite people to the exhibitions, events were created on Facebook, with 586 people indicating interest in attending, while 180 indicated their attendance online.

As part of this project, a website was developedthat allows for complaints of online harassment to be made, which in turn will generate a heat map that detects the most dangerous sites for women. With this information, they can advocate to the entities responsible for public safety.

Exhibition April 7 2018