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The People’s

Commonwealth

More voices for a fairer world 7

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Commonwealth Foundation , Pall Mall SW1Y 5HY, www.commonwealthfoundation.com

The Commonwealth Foundation encourages the use, translation, adaptation and copying of this material for non-commercial use. We ask that appropriate credit be given to the Commonwealth Foundation.

The perspectives expressed are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commonwealth Foundation.

First published by Commonwealth Foundation 2017.

Text by Amy Beeson and Design by Divya Venkatesh www.wordsbycommunications.com

Printed and bound by RowColour, Unit 1&2, Chessington Trade Park, 60 Cox Lane, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1TW, United Kingdom. The Commonwealth Foundation was established by Heads of Government in support of the idea that the Commonwealth is as much an association of peoples as it is of governments. It is a unique, stand-alone multilateral organisation; it is funded by and reports to governments, which have given it a mandate to support civil society. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing people’s participation in all aspects of public dialogue so that ultimately their quality of life is improved. 9 Contents

A Message from the Director-General i

Oceania by Karlo Mila iii

Young People Leading the Debate 2 on HIV and AIDS

The Power of Stories 3

2017 Commonwealth Short Story 4 Prize Shortlist

Young Women Engaging in Local 5 Governance in

Influencing Policy on HIV and 7 AIDS in

Southern African Alliance for Youth 8 Employment

Making the Global Sustainable 9 Development Goals Local

A Gathering of Stories 10

Promoting Community Solutions in 11 Urban

Tackling the Spirit Child Phenomenon 12 in Northern Fiction that Makes a Difference 13

Energising Caribbean Regional Policy 14 Engagement

Global March for Child Rights 15

Rural Entrepreneurs for Social Change 16 in Pakistan

Short Film Auntie tackles the Social 17 Costs of Migration

Commonwealth Stories in Translation 18

Amplifying Voices for Gender Equality 19 in East Africa

Constructive Engagement: Mental 20 Health Legislation Reform in and

Defining Governance for Resilience 21

Starting Young for Inclusive 23 Governance

Raising Carers Voices in 24

A Message from the Deputy 25 Director-General 11 The People’s Commonwealth > Message from the Director-General 12i

ince 2012 the Commonwealth Foundation has focussed on building Sa culture of people’s participation. We’ve been doing this by developing the capacity of civil society to play its part in making policy more relevant and making institutions more responsive. Here we provide a glimpse of the work we have supported and the impact that it has had.

The Strategic Plan for 2017-2021 builds on five years of achievement and further sharpens our work to amplify less heard civic voice. This theme is rooted in our practice and resonates with the global development agenda, which acknowledges open and accountable governance as the key to social progress.

Our tagline is “More Voices for a Fairer Society” because we know that some are not heard and that achieving inclusive governance for development is a journey. Less heard voices can make a powerful case for change. Through our programmes and grants we walk with partners as they make their own contribution to sustainable development.

The insights included in this publication bring our ambitions to life. They show how bringing civic voice into contact with policy makers can improve policy for all. They show how cultural expression can improve our understanding of other people’s experience. They show how institutions that are accountable are better suited to meeting people’s expectations.

Welcome to the Commonwealth Foundation.

Vijay Krishnarayan Director-General 13 The People’s Commonwealth > Oceania by Karlo Mila 14iii

Oceania For Epeli Hau’ofa

Karlo Mila

Some days flat on my back I’ve been I feel her on dry land for too long outstretched palms legs wide open my ache for ocean a star in worship so great a meditation as old as the tide my eyes weep waves my arms, anemones belly and breasts, sea jellies my mouth Achilles fins, I become mudflats free-swimming Medusa popping with groping breath my hands touching of crabs her blue curves my throat fingers tipping an estuary spindrift salt crystallising a star in worship on the tip of my tongue my veins a wafer in her mouth become a five-pointed offering rivers that flow straight out to sea she swirls counter-clockwise I call on the memory of water beneath me, all goddess and all muscle, energy I power, pulse am oh, the simple faith star fish of the floating in sea letting go buoyed by in order to be held lung balloons by the body water of the world and floating fat some days I know the ocean this love she loves me is all I need her continuous blue body holding even my weight Karlo Mila is a poet from the Kingdom of 15

15

Our grants create opportunities for less heard voices

Being heard in a society that leaves no one behind

Masinga and Zibele, Children’s Radio Foundation youth reporters host a discussion on stigma and HIV awareness.

© Luke Daniel, 2014 World AIDS Day celebration in Khayelitsha, . The People’s Commonwealth > Young People Leading the Debate on HIV and AIDS 2

Young People Leading the Debate on HIV and AIDS

In South Africa the Children’s Radio Young people with HIV and AIDS influencing Foundation is creating a space for improvements in services and their delivery young people to talk about health Changing minds of staff and young people Discovering issues and empowering them to use their experiences to enhance Young people set the agenda about the issues that affected new talent them. “In one show they talked about their fear of going to community health services. the clinic and how they were ashamed because everyone Young people would know they were infected with HIV because the clinic staff would put a sticker on the patient files that indicated 70 trained he Commonwealth Foundation supported project-led training in radio and reporting what they were being treated for,” explained Michal. “So, 70 T when you saw the nurse come out into the waiting room and Taking part skills for young people to produce exciting, call in a patient everyone would be able to identify that they 45 regularly informative and entertaining broadcasts and were being treated for HIV according to the sticker.” events. Radio programmes featured music and poetry as well as debates on issues young It was a simple barrier between young people and service 45 Facilitators people wanted to discuss. They had previously providers and after they talked about it on air the nurses 17 trained felt silenced by community pressure to not at the clinic quickly responded and changed their way of working. talk about HIV and sex. 17 Young people 3 Government support for youth-friendly services showed the now on staff “It’s one part radio, one part performance, trainees and their listeners how important it is to understand and that keeps drawing in a large audience,” their rights and speak out about discrimination. The nurses 3 explained Michal Rahfaldt, Executive Director and staff have changed during this project too and now at the Children’s Radio Foundation. “The listen seriously to comments about clinic times and the project continues to be effective in working way services are delivered. People have seen firsthand the positive difference having a voice can have for everyone. with young people to raise awareness on HIV and AIDS and reaching thousands of Enhancing knowledge and skills listeners. They’re increasing the numbers going regularly to youth-friendly clinics for Young people were the biggest recruiters for training and treatment and family planning services.” developing an audience. They used their own networks Amplifying including peers, family members and schools. Understanding their rights was part of the training and a message that was unheard voices “85% of the young people attending the clinic were young women and girls but we’ve continually repeated in broadcasts. “It had a ripple effect seen more and more young men coming and resulted in an incredible mix of young people that had a Audio dramas lot to say and a lot to offer,” said Michal. 10 produced to the clinic through the programme,” explained Michal. “It’s become a space where Some trainees want to become journalists, one trainee is marginalised LGBTI young people also feel doing a film course and three of the young people who were 41+ Hours of air safe to contribute to the discussion and share part of the original group are now working for Children’s time their experiences.” Radio Foundation engaging new cohorts. “They have become role models for other young people,” 300,000 Discover More said Michal. “It’s empowering and enticing for young people 10 to see that the leader of their group started off where Radio audience To find out more about grants go to they were. It gets them to understand they’re not just participating in a one-off programme but there is a plan for reached commonwealthfoundation.com/grants 41+ progression that they can be part of.” ■ 173 The People’s Commonwealth > The Power of Stories

17 The Power of Stories

ommonwealth Writers, the cultural Cinitiative of the Commonwealth Commonwealth Short Story Prize Entries Increased Foundation, inspires and connects writers by 3,822 Submissions from 2012-2017 and storytellers across the world, bringing transformative stories to a global audience. We believe that well told stories help people make sense of events, engage with others 777 1243 540 and take action to bring about change. We 210.6% 287.73% 114.8% are committed to tackling challenges faced Asia by writers in different regions, working with & Europe 3107 Pacific local and international partners. We identify 462.35% and deliver projects in Commonwealth 250 countries, but our community is global. 164.47% Africa Caribbean “We hear a lot about literacy and its importance… But we hear less about a literacy of the imagination, about how writing and its practice as an art and craft Discover more at commonwealthwriters.org actually improves how we see and understand our lives and imagine better lives for ourselves. This is what makes Commonwealth other established networks, particularly in “These short stories will Writers indispensable.” countries where stories are rarely given a take you on a journey Fred D’Aguiar, 2015 Commonwealth global platform. that spans cultures, Short Story Prize Judge eras, generations and “I am very happy to receive the diverse ways of being and The Commonwealth Short Commonwealth Short Story Prize, which seeing. To read them is provides an inclusive, accessible and to inhabit other worlds.” Story Prize international platform for participation Bernardine Evaristo, which is particularly helpful for new writers.” The Commonwealth Short Story Prize started Chair, 2012, Parashar Kulkarni, overall winner, 2016 in 2012 with the launch of Commonwealth Commonwealth Short Commonwealth Short Story Prize Writers. Story Prize Judging Panel The Prize attracts thousands of entries each Free to enter and with a global reach across year and the figure is rising. Nearly 6,000 five continents, the Prize seeks out talented entries were received in 2017 (increased by writers and stories from new and emerging 3,800 submissions from 2012) from 49 of the voices. Entries often come from countries 52 Commonwealth countries. with little or no publishing infrastructure and from places that are marked by geographical, The Prize has received support from the geopolitical or economic isolation. The Sigrid Rausing Trust and the Jan Michalski Prize brings them to the attention of an Foundation for Writing and Literature, as well international audience. as benefitting from the partnership with the literary magazine Granta which publishes the Emphasis is placed on reaching less heard regional winners each year. ■ voices outside publishing, academic and

Yes The People’s Commonwealth > 2017 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Shortlist 184

The Power of Stories 2017 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Shortlist

Caroline Gill, Canada

Jasmine Sealy, Canada Tom Vowler, UK Anushka Jasraj, India Yiming Ma, Canada Sarah Jackson, UK

Tracy Fells, UK Damon Chua,

Jinny Koh, Singapore

Myfanwy McDonald, Roland Watson-Grant, Ruth Lacey, Australia Ingrid Persaud, Trinidad & Tobago Chloe Wilson, Australia

Nat Newman, Australia Caroline Mackenzie, Trinidad & Tobago Mary Rokonadravu, Jon Lewis-Katz, Trinidad & Tobago Akwaeke Emezi,

Kelechi Njoku, Nigeria Diane Awerbuck, South Africa

Famished Eels ship to Fiji – this much was whispered behind hushed curtains at home. At celebrations he By Mary Rokonadravu is remembered as an astrologer, squinting his face at the heavens, reading palms on a I grew up imagining the digging of little heaving sea. He reads prosperity into suicidal “graves at the edge of sugar cane. In rain. It hands, keeps men and women breathing until was always night rain, as if miscarriages or landfall. He has not created life yet. Nor infant deaths only occurred in rain-drenched ended any.” darkness. In childhood, I added details from Bollywood films to it: night wailing, tug- Mary Rokonadravu from Fiji won the 2015 of-wars over linen-swaddled baby corpses. Commonwealth Short Story Prize for the Murder. Narayana strangles his own children. Pacific region. In 2016 she received the Royal Mary Rokonadravu. He uses an old cotton sari. There was no Melbourne Institute of Technology’s (RMIT) © Mary Rokonadravu. photograph of him so in my mind he wore Writers Immersion and Cultural Exchange the face of the Bollywood villain Amjad Khan. Fellowship. ■ Rewind a few years to the port of Calcutta and the ship that crossed the kala pani, the black waters, and he is Amitabh Bachchan. He Read the full story was the designated toilet-water carrier on the granta.com/famished-eels/ 5 The People’s Commonwealth > Young Women Engaging in Local Governance in Pakistan

19Young Women Engaging In Local Governance In Pakistan

Aware Girls is an organisation that Young women as local leaders enables young women to train “We provide the background support but it their peers to exercise their right is the young women themselves who are the to vote and become part of civic leaders and they tell us what support they need to improve their knowledge of the law life in North-West Pakistan. With and their opportunities. They’re aware of support from the Commonwealth their responsibilities as role models to reach Foundation, Peace Direct out and mobilise other young women,” said collaborated with Aware Girls Gulalai. encouraging young women in the Aware Girls sessions use active learning processes designed to empower women. conflict affected districts of Swabi Simple actions, made without male help, and Marden in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa like putting up banners or moving chairs for to voice their opinion and improve a meeting build confidence and leadership skills. Attending comes with a responsibility their leadership skills to enable to share knowledge by cascading the training greater political participation. to hundreds of other young women in their communities and encouraging them to vote ithin the first year of the project and be part of amplifying women’s voices. W1,349 young women were inspired to vote for the first time and campaigned for “Often the young women will work together women candidates in local elections. Many to find a solution to their problems especially continue to campaign for gender equality as many of their challenges come within their and have become part of a national network families,” said Gulalai. of hundreds of peace activists making their voices heard on global issues; including Taking action and becoming preventing radicalisation and protecting the role models rights of people facing discrimination and violence from extremism. There were two five-day residential training days for 30 young women in each district as “In Pakistan often the women who take part part of the project. “When I found out about in politics are from politically influential this women-led organisation, Aware Girls, families who are already part of parliament,” conducting training for women about their explained Gulalai Ismail, who founded Aware rights, especially political rights, I decided to Girls when she was 16-years-old with her join,” said Salma Yasir a trainee from Swabi. sister Saba. “Usually, common women don’t see themselves as part of the system and “Attending this training was a turning point don’t believe they can get elected because in my life. When the local elections were they don’t come from an influential family and announced for 30 May 2015, I submitted my have little or no voice in the decision making papers for the reserved seats for women. I processes.” was appointed as the Village Councillor,” said Salma. The People’s Commonwealth > Young Women Engaging in Local Governance in Pakistan 206

Young Women Engaging In Local Governance In Pakistan

After training... Citizen’s Committees Citizen’s Committees are multi- All of the training participants interviewed sectoral local groups which include in Swabi and Mardan said that their journalists, lawyers, civil society and knowledge about human rights in general representatives of political parties. and political rights in particular increased after the training. Citizen’s Charter of Demands Participants have engaged in peer The Citizen’s Committees conducted education or holding community meetings. policy dialogues and collaboratively Some have helped women apply for drafted a Charter of Demands on identification cards to vote. women’s participation in party politics. This was presented to the major Four young women who attended political parties. the training went on to stand in local government elections and won. Paving the way for women’s participation in politics Holding policy makers to account Based on the Citizen’s Charter of The project established Citizen’s Committees Demands, two political parties in the districts of Swabi and Mardan; engaged established Anti-Sexual Harassment with political party representatives; and Committees at their district level office ran radio campaigns led by young women to ensure that women have a safe to challenge views and inform the wider working environment. community on women’s roles and rights.

Akbar Hoti from Mardan, a member of a Citizen’s Committee, said “The Charter of Demands that we have created is a historic document and we will make sure it gets implemented. The Committees can do a lot if they want to bring about change, at individual as well as collective levels.”

“Now the political parties are not only aware, but their local representatives have also committed they will address the barriers towards women’s political participation Project training. and will not become part of any pact which © Dania Ali, prevent women from voting,” said Gulalai. ■ Stars Foundation, Aware Girls. 217 The People’s Commonwealth > Influencing Policy on HIV and AIDS in Kenya

21Influencing Policy on HIV and AIDS in Kenya

Before the project, Caroline would have been condemned to live alone for ten years in a rented house in Mbita town. “My case is not an isolated one,” said Caroline. Her case was traced by Davis Ochieng, a Luo elder from Enhancing Nthiwa, a member of the Mbita-Suba Paralegal Team, who had been trained on human rights protection and issues through workshops organised by KELIN. rights of people Caroline has now joined the paralegal team, living with HIV and and has traced and supported the resolution AIDS (PLHIV) of seven cases. The project covered counties with high HIV “We have come across several devastating prevalence in Kenya, cases where women in particular have been including Kisumu, Homa One of the aroline Peres Achieng Oyumbo, a widowed denied their right to own and inherit property Bay, Kakamega, Bungoma, trained mother of two boys was banished from based on cultural beliefs,” said Allan Maleche, Mombasa and Kilifi. partners under C Commonwealth her matrimonial home in Ragwe village on Executive Director of KELIN. “We also build grant engaging the slopes of Ngeri-Kisiambi hills in Homa Bay capacities of village elders, church leaders, County with the young County, after she refused to be inherited as local administration officers and other 6 Consortiums people on respected members of the society, who have set up how to engage Suba culture demands. in public always helped us in bridging the gap between participation KELIN, a human rights organisation supported the victims of cultural practices and the County and governance 300 such cases in Kenya to ensure widows and community.” 56 representatives processes at orphans have access to justice. In the Suba trained county level. community widows are often subjected to Peter Oduk a community worker trained by © Kelin Kenya. costly cleansing rituals, forcing them to have KELIN said, “we learnt how we can engage CSOs sex with a less privileged person, whose main with budgets for health related issues or how 40 networks duty is to cleanse widowed women before to conduct public participation so that people established they are inherited. can get involved in the legislative process. We have been called upon in the budget Public With the support of Commonwealth making process of the county. We have been 6 debates Foundation, KELIN started working with able to voice our opinion in terms of the conducted paralegal teams so that communities could allocation for the health sector. We also have understand the law and be involved in been able to have dialogue meetings with Handbooks governance processes. The case was settled the County Assembly and county officials in 800 given out using Alternative Dispute Resolution methods, regards to issues of health, specifically HIV which are a traditional justice systems and AIDS.” This advocacy work recognised by the Constitution of Kenya. enabled more people from civil society to Money was transferred to Caroline’s account, “You have to make the connection from the participate in debating earmarked for her children’s education. grass root to the top level,” explained Allan and challenging current She was also allocated ten acres of land, Maleche. “It is important that service users laws on the rights of and has been allowed to construct a house, in the communities know their rights but also PLHIV and AIDS and contrary to the Suba customs where a governance processes. Based on that the people who provide the services a story by widowed woman cannot construct a house know what’s expected of them and know what Kentice Tikolo unless she is inherited. their responsibilities are.” ■ The People’s Commonwealth > Southern African Alliance for Youth Employment 228

Southern African Alliance for Youth Employment

The Economic Justice Network (EJN) in partnership with the Commonwealth Foundation supported the establishment of the Southern African Alliance for Youth Employment (SAAYE), providing a platform to national and regional advocates to raise awareness for youth employment.

AAYE’s vision is a Southern Africa where Citizens UK is Syoung people have access to gainful and Influencing decision makers SAAYE internationally recognised productive employment that enables them working group at Partners for organising communities The Alliance has been recognised by the three to act together for and their communities to be lifted out of Learning Exchange power, social justice poverty. main non-state regional institutions for civil and the common good. society, the trade unions and the churches. © SAAYE They enable socially The alliance aims to play a coordinating and “The major stakeholders of SAAYE are the and economically facilitating role for young people’s networks three sectors and ….it is not easy to bring disadvantaged working on youth employment. SAAYE together these three apexes to work together. communities in Britain constitutes youth organisations from , So we are that link,” said Rev. Malcolm and Ireland to better , , , South Africa, Damon, EJN Executive Director. participate in society and Swaziland and . Alliance members promote more effective are elected to a six member Working Group working of decision Learning exchange on winning serving as the highest decision making body. making institutions. campaigns Amplifying civic voices Every year the Commonwealth Foundation organises a Partners Learning Exchange The Alliance advocated for widening the to bring together civil society. It is an involvement of civic actors in the region on opportunity to share good practice and youth employment policy with national and lessons learned in implementing projects. regional governance structures. The 2015 partnership exchange was designed to facilitate interactive learning between Irene Garoës from the Namibia chapter SAAYE and Citizens UK. During the exchange explained that for her SAAYE is unique. they shared knowledge to support the youth “It is showing commitment to solving the employment alliance in building its national problem as opposed to just talking about it or constituency and developing its advocacy recognising it.” She welcomed the efforts to programme. involve young people in each of the region’s ■ countries to find holistic solutions to this common problem facing Southern Africa. 239 The People’s Commonwealth > Making the Global Sustainable Development Goals Local

23Making the Global Sustainable Development Goals Local

what turned out to be a fairly important “We are still faced with relationship with the UN African Group.” absolute poverty, huge unemployment issues Establishing the group has given members and huge problems with time to talk about the SDGs and co-create governance. The SDG local solutions. “We want the lives of African framework provides people changed in radical ways,” said Namhla. an opportunity within which that can change, At the time of the SDG negotiations there but that’s not going to wasn’t engagement between the UN African change by having the Group and African civil society. “In fact there right policies in place, was barely any presence of independent it’s going to change by African civil society within the UN system,” implementation. explained Namhla. Namhla Mniki- he Africa Working Group (AWG) is a “What distinguishes the Mangaliso. Tplatform for a broad coalition of over 150 Domestication of the SDGs in Foundation has been the © The likeminded African civil society organisations ability to understand Commonwealth and Foundation. committed to improving lives on the those organic processes continent. The Commonwealth Foundation Being part of the SDG negotiations gave the and the willingness to facilitated interaction between the Group and AWG impetus. They returned to engage civil listen to what would their counterparts in African governments society leaders, presidents and ministers. The work. It fits in very well engaged in finalising the Sustainable Group saw the need for a pilot programme to with their new strategy, Development Goals (SDGs) at the UN in New show how civil society could help translate which is around civic York in 2015. the global goals into national policy and voices because it’s implementation. Tanzania and Cameroon were about understanding Namlah Mniki Mangaliso, Executive Director of selected and the Commonwealth Foundation the very many ways African Monitor, which acts as the secretariat supported the AWG to learn from the results citizens can organise for the Group explained that the coalition is of what was happening in both countries. themselves, in order unique, because it brings together different to improve governance organisations and networks that want to make “In Cameroon, government hadn’t begun and in order to improve an impact in Africa by collectively amplifying to think about how it was going to engage democracy, not for its their voices. with stakeholders, so the process that civil sake but to make real society started ended up being endorsed by impact in the lives of Giving voice to Africa’s the planning ministry as a way of making sure people.” aspirations globally and regionally that there was going to be multi-stakeholder Namlah engagement. In Tanzania, civil society set up Mniki Mangaliso Namhla commended the Commonwealth an SDG platform and developed a monitoring Foundation for understanding the need to and evaluation framework. The government localise development. “The Commonwealth decided to establish a multi-stakeholder Foundation is a perfect niche. It gave forum, where government, business and civil the boost we needed to get going with society organisations come together to work on the SDGs. AWG members form part of the CSO coalition,” said Namhla. ■ The People’s Commonwealth > A Gathering of Stories 2410

A Gathering of Stories

he work of Commonwealth Writers can “Today there are adda Tbring about change: “through their growing numbers In Bengali, adda describes commitment to tackling the issues in their of Ugandan an informal conversation communities, bringing attention to the refugees in Kenya. ... running away that takes place at length; backwaters. I still haven’t got over the from home in Hindi it can be traced connection my adda story has provided to back to a ‘perching spot’, because of ... readers, whose geographic distances have Socrates in Punjab it is a pit stop whom they choose made them emotionally distant from the to love.” Mbamalu, on long highways where illustration by Facing the travellers stop and ex- happenings in the North [of Nigeria].” Musa Omusi

change news. Put simply: Ajinomoh Caleb, author of Purple Voices. Mediterranean, © Musa Omusi an adda is a meeting place. Isaac Otidi Amuke adda is Commonwealth Writers’ online platform for unpublished fiction, nonfiction Writer Isaac Otidi Amuke, CNN Read adda stories and poetry. Writers speak in their own voice, from their own histories, beyond the editorial MultiChoice African Journalist addastories.org appetites and dictates of the market. ■ 2016 Competition Finalist Nairobi based writer Isaac Otidi Amuke’s first connection with Commonwealth Writers Safe House: Explorations in Creative was through a nonfiction writing workshop Nonfiction is a collection of stories on in in 2014. His piece on Ugandan contemporary African themes, including students in Kenya was subsequently published the movement of refugees, the Chinese in the Commonwealth Writers’ anthology of presence in Africa, LBGTI concerns and African writing, Safe House: Explorations in the impact of the Ebola crisis. Unlike Creative Nonfiction. much nonfiction written about Africa, the writers featured in Safe House live Isaac has also written a piece for adda, and work on the continent, part of a Sofia’s Nine Lives, about drug and human growing number of African nonfiction smuggling across the Kenya–Uganda border. authors. Facing the Mediterranean was first written for “What I hoped to encourage [was]…a the Commonwealth Writers’ website, gained personal voice that allowed the writer international recognition and won Isaac a to become a part of the story. The highly commended Features Award in the expression of such subjectivity requires prestigious CNN MultiChoice African Journalist a particular combination of confidence 2016 Competition. and vulnerability. In their individual expressions of this combination, Speaking out about homophobia Published by Dundurn Press the contributors begin to define a (Canada), and Cassava Republic specifically African genre of creative In this story Isaac exposes the fears, Press (Africa and the UK). hopes and aspirations of gay, lesbian and Safe House is one of a number nonfiction, one inflected by the of anthologies produced in geography and politics, the cultures and transgender Ugandans after the Anti- partnership with publishers histories, of this continent,” said Safe Homosexuality Act in 2014. around the Commonwealth. House Editor Ellah Wakatama Allfrey. 2511 The People’s Commonwealth > Promoting Community Solutions in Urban Sri Lanka

25Promoting Community Solutions in Urban Sri Lanka

Part funding came from the Sri Lankan government, with SEVANATHA imparting 20 Community training and the communities leading the Development projects. “People have a certain feeling – they Council across think this is their own project. They become 6 districts of Sri the owners of it,” said Municipal Treasurer, Lanka set up K D Chitrapala. Community Councils Community Development Councils and savings trained in groups enable community cooperation, pooling of resources and engagement Financial with authorities in planning settlement management improvements. For the members of the saving including scheme it is a safety net. Nei Sulfika Ahmed bookkeeping Construction Community members are had turned to loans to pay for schoolbooks, of new main medicines and utilities. She worries they will sewer line in transforming local facilities Managing a be evicted but the work of the Community 248 settlement, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with community Sri Sangaraja Development Councils and the links with the based Mawath, support from SEVANATHA Urban Women’s Bank bring hope. “I feel sometimes organisation Colombo. Resource Centre, Reall and the like I can do anything,” she said. © Reall Commonwealth Foundation. (trading name Beginning in 2014, similar Community Land and of Homeless housing rights International) widowed mother of five, Nona Bintam Empowerment Projects were rolled out in A earns about 400 rupees a day (just 40 underserved settlements by SEVANATHA. under £2). Precariously Bintam has kept her The project is timely as Sri Lanka’s capital family afloat for years. She has brought that city is being reimagined. An estimated 77,643 determination to the role of Chairperson families in underserved settlements await of her Community Development Council. assistance with infrastructure and land Recently on finishing building a set of ownership. The success of the Community community toilets, Bintam painted the new Empowerment Project showcases solutions walls herself. that could prove sustainable and cost effective alternatives for the future. ■ The toilets are the result of a partnership between the Community Development Council set up by the project, the Colombo Municipal Council and the SEVANATHA Urban Resource Centre. The community knew the toilets at Wekanda Road were always filthy and poorly lit. After addressing this, they added western style commodes for the elderly and showers with privacy. K. A. Jayaratne, President of SEVANATHA said, “It is clear people have the Based on a story by ideas and the initiative, but our system does Smriti Daniel not help them carry it out.” The People’s Commonwealth > Tackling the Spirit Child Phenomenon in Northern Ghana 2612

Tackling the Spirit Child Phenomenon in Northern Ghana

oor access to healthcare results in child’ hid him but now gets counselling. Madu Pmaternal deaths and higher numbers is making progress through physiotherapy. of children being born with conditions like cerebral palsy. In parts of Ghana children Regular forums at the clinic bring mothers with disabilities or whose births concur with together for training sessions and give them Stopping the tragedies are sometimes labelled as a ‘spirit the opportunity to share their opinions on harming of ‘spirit child’ and blamed for misfortune, resulting in what would be appropriate support for them children’ abuse, neglect and infanticide. and their children from health providers and government. Health screenings have been To address the issue a project led by AfriKids, introduced in hospital and trainers promoted 12,266 with support from the Commonwealth the importance of home visits by health Children and families Foundation used local knowledge to engage workers. reached with community leaders, families, schools, local services and government to raise It is difficult for the mothers to leave their awareness about the rights of children and children to go to work so some have received Concoction generate solutions. loans to start homebased businesses along 94 men, sooth- with additional training and counselling to sayers and build levels of confidence so they can start chiefs against Establishing a community it their own businesses. dialogue Women’s Improving engagement between community Turning offenders into advocates 275 cooperatives taking part opinion leaders, government, health, law The project focused on changing behaviour enforcement and education authorities was rather than blaming people for practising the first step. This soon led to leaders openly inherited beliefs. The family of a ‘spirit child’ declaring the end of child infanticide in their may have gone to a soothsayer to ask the communities and by-laws in local languages. ancestors whether the child is for this world “My people have declared that we will never or paid a concoction man to kill their child. kill a child as a ‘spirit child’,” said the Chief of Bongo. Training programmes with support from veterinary officers aimed to ensure reformed The project created Child Rights Clubs with concoction men had the skills to care schools to improve children’s knowledge of for animals, particularly goats as they’d their rights through drama and debates. After previously received animals in return for engagement with the project team the police dealing with ‘spirit children’. authorities and local government committed to taking action in future if the practice After training concoction men and soothsayers occurs. are speaking out against the practice. Soothsayers have stopped diagnosing Adija and Madu Providing better services for children as ‘spirit children’ and are instead at the Feo encouraging parents to attend local health Health Centre. vulnerable children centres. ■ © AfriKids Adija’s son Madu [pictured] was paralysed on the left side of his body after a difficult labour. Adija believing Madu was a ‘spirit 2713 The People’s Commonwealth > Fiction that Makes a Difference

27 Fiction that Makes a Difference

Fiction makes a difference because it The Dolphin Catcher “influences the reader. It influences the minds of human beings. The only thing ‘Go home,’ the old man said, but his voice that has ever caused a policy maker to was soft. ‘Go home, pickney. After you ‘ave change their mind has been the minds of school tomorrow. You mus sleep a nighttime.’ ordinary people who have coalesced behind He fired the engine and it caught first time movements – that’s what brought about and Lloyd stood on the beach and watched his change in the world. The way we tell stories grandfather’s boat slide across the harbour – is just this really powerful way of getting he would never catch the fast boat. What was people to think about the things that matter done that night was done and the next day to them through the voices of your fictional Lloyd heard that the captured dolphin had characters.” drowned and the dolphin men were angry Jamaican Diana McCaulay and were threatening to find another group of writer and dolphin catchers on another island. environmental Jamaican writer Diana McCaulay’s short activist, Diana McCaulay. story The Dolphin Catcher was the Caribbean After that, Lloyd’s father stopped visiting his Regional Winner of the Commonwealth Short mother and his grandfather came around less © Diana Story Prize in 2012. Her recent piece for often. ‘Why Gramps staying away?’ he asked McCaulay. Commonwealth Writers, Giving up on the his mother. earth, is a call to protect Jamaica’s natural environment. ‘Big man business,’ she said. ‘Bout di dolphins?’ Submissions in other languages ‘What you know ’bout di dolphin-dem?’ to the Commonwealth Short ‘I saw dem,’ he said. ‘Catchin dolphins. Story Prize Gramps try fi stop dem.’ His mother kissed her teeth. ‘Dat old man, The Commonwealth Short Story mi swear sey him lick him head. So what if di Prize is open to entries translated tourist dem waan see a dolphin? So what if a into English. man waan pay a money for a big fish? Ketch dem all, is what mi sey. How you tink your Both the original writer and the school book get pay for?’ translator are rewarded. The Prize accepts entries in a number of languages ‘Dolphin not a fish,’ Lloyd said. other than English, the best of which ‘But hear dis now. Same stupidness. Don’t dem are translated and put before the Read the international judging panel. live inna di sea? If you live in di sea, you is a fish. Go do you homework.’ And then her full story mantra. ‘As God a mi witness, you nah going Entries at end up a fisherman. As God a mi witness.’ ■ commonwealthwriters. commonwealthwriters.org/submit- org/the-dolphin- catcher-by-diana- an-entry mccaulay/ The People’s Commonwealth > Energising Caribbean Regional Policy Engagement 281411

Energising Caribbean Regional Fiction that Makes a Difference Policy Engagement

Civil society has been looking for ways to formally engage in policy dialogue with the regional Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM). Policy engagement had been ad hoc and unsatisfactory for both governments and civil society.

n response, the Caribbean Policy IDevelopment Centre (CPDC) established the Caribbean Consultative Working Group (CCWG) with support from the Commonwealth The project included workshops on advocacy Hazel Foundation to develop civic capacity for skills and policy training, and researched Brown with engagement. Between 2014-2017 a pilot representatives sustainable energy. National consultations project included civil society organisations from the were held in each country at which Caribbean civil in six countries (, government, civil society and the private society discuss , , Jamaica, St. Vincent & sustainable sector participated. The consultations the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago). The energy presented the results of the policy research; grouping chose sustainable energy as the priorities for establish sustainable energy as an issue for the region. focus for policy analysis and advocacy. civil society in the Caribbean; with the aim to © CPDC shape public policy.

So Many Islands The process informed a proposal for a An anthology of stories from the Regional Sustainable Energy Strategy which Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian was submitted to CARICOM. CPDC is now participating in the CARICOM Caribbean Ocean and the Pacific Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy.

Edited by Nicholas Laughlin Devon Gardner, Programme Manager for Introduction by Marlon James and CARICOM Energy said, “The bottom line is, if afterword by Sia Figiel it is that we are to shape energy strategy and policy and to deliver actions on the ground, A vibrant collection of fiction, we must know what it is that our people are Man Booker Prize Winner Marlon nonfiction and poetry, engaging with prepared to do to meet their energy goals James writes the introduction a range of human stories behind the to So Many Islands: Stories from and objectives. And without civil society, that reports and statistics of island life in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, question can never be answered.” ■ Indian and Pacific Oceans. the face of global warming and rising sea levels.

Published October 2017 by Telegram Books, Little Island Press and Peekash Press in To find out more about CCWG go to association with Commonwealth Writers commonwealthfoundation.com/project/ccwg

2915 The People’s Commonwealth > Global March for Child Rights

29 Global March for Child Rights

Changing the law through “Public Interest Litigation is the most effective tool advocacy to deal with social evils Across , India and Pakistan, civil as it can go beyond the society partners constructively engaged with letter of law and helps policy makers and government departments. courts to set precedents.” In India the local partner reported that, Ms Geetanjli Goel, “Support from the Commonwealth Foundation Director, National Legal helps sustain our widespread legislative Services Authority, India advocacy efforts for systematic change and at the project workshop improvements in drafting and implementing on legislative advocacy. existing laws for the protection of the basic rights of every child in the country.” Two children looking at Global March Against Child Labour In Bangladesh the Government approved the temple lights. is supporting advocacy and Domestic Worker Protection and Welfare © Dick Verton Policy in December 2015. The policy addresses legislative reform to address child some of the key child rights issues and labour in Bangladesh, India and specifies the minimum age for employing a Pakistan. child domestic worker. In Pakistan the Commission on the Rights of “Whenever and wherever Changing attitudes and taking Children Bill was approved by the National a society fails its children action Assembly Cabinet in July 2016. A shift in the and young people, it attitudes of parliamentarians towards to the fails itself… As we speak, ith support from the Commonwealth rights of children has been reported as a around 160 million WFoundation, Global March worked with result of advocacy work. children are languishing local partners to collaborate with and train in child labour. The world Law Enforcement Agencies and Civil Society The project also engaged with law firms to must listen to the voices Organisations (CSOs) on the rights of children. bring about legislative reform. After the of the young. They are Discussions with the District Task Force in training, local partners developed Public rising up for freedom… India resulted in raids on illegal placement Interest Litigation in India, and for the first We have to make the agencies, which harboured and supplied time in Pakistan. These represented children Commonwealth a trafficked children as domestic workers and in court to advocate for their rights to Commonwealth free from for sexual exploitation. The project has freedom, fair wages and a life free from the child slavery.” changed the attitudes of police dealing with fear of violence and abuse. ■ Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel cases. For example, police use more sensitive Peace Laureate 2014 and child-friendly practises when interviewing and Honorary President victims. of Global March Against Child Labour, Observance 2016. The People’s Commonwealth > Rural Entrepreneurs for Social Change in Pakistan 3016

Rural Entrepreneurs for Social Change in Pakistan

HOPE International Development Agency in partnership with Pakistan Kissan Trust improved Entrepreneurs the livelihoods and basic rights 350 trained of poor communities through including: rural entrepreneurship and social 31% Adult women change.

48% Female Youth Mobilising community action 8% Male Youth o increase collective social action to Tsecure basic service provision and Improving local services Female farmer rights Pakistan Kissan Trust supported by from Moza the Commonwealth Foundation formed Akbarwala The project also engaged with 55 other UC 49 District Community Action Groups (CAG). Made up civil society organisations to form thematic Jhang tending of poor farming communities, members networks. They organised consultations with her kitchen garden. gathered monthly and successfully lobbied government officials to identify strategies local government for improved community to help alleviate problems faced by rural © Pakistan Kissan Trust resources. communities, including food shortages, violence against women, lack of livelihood Group members helped 1,574 people (70% Businesses opportunities, market linkages, missing school women) obtain Computerized National 156 established facilities, and lack of healthcare. Five civil including: Identity Cards and helped register 450 births society networks launched campaigns focusing during the project. on vulnerable farmers’ rights in the media. ■ 10 Food processing Fertile ground for entrepreneurs units with 15 entrepreneurs Vulnerable CAG members were trained Mixed per unit in income generating activities such as 147 gender business plan development, production 200 Small CAGs 140 methods, marketing skills, record keeping and Community household Action Groups businesses thereafter to set up small local businesses. Female formed 53 CAGs Based on their choice of business Sewing centres 6 (ranging from embroidery to farming organic vegetables) entrepreneurs formed Common 62% Female Interest Groups. Groups developed an 6,364 operational plan for a small household Members 51% Youth or collectively owned business, shared ideas and were linked to other groups and market actors. 200 Monthly CAG meetings held 3117 The People’s Commonwealth > Short Film Auntie Tackles the Social Costs of Migration

31Short Film Auntie Tackles the Social Costs of Migration

Organisation in collaboration with the UN In the Caribbean when High Commission for Human Rights and the parents migrate, their International Federation of Journalists. Noel child would be left in the said that Lisa Harewood wanted the Barrel care of others – a family Stories Project to not only be a tool through member or trusted person which people can share their stories, but also in the community often a resource to promote change. referred to as an ‘auntie’ if they are female. During “In all this, the space in which I have been their absence parents who most deeply affected is in the living rooms of are financially able provide the people who share their ‘Barrel Stories’ material support both in the form of cash as well as with me. It is there that I have seen the goods packed into barrels healing that can take place by empowering which are shipped to the someone to tell their own story… They can, region. The carefully Still from Film Inspiration through this space, find similarities or find selected contents of the Auntie, by differences, find fellowship, find healing. It is barrel become a way Lisa Harewood. n 2013 the Commonwealth Foundation also a place where people who have no idea to show love and care – © Lisa supported filmmaker Lisa Harewood’s whether household goods, Harewood. I about this particular aspect of the Caribbean short film Auntie, a story about the impact experience can come and be educated.” school supplies, the latest migration has on a child left behind, which fashions or foodstuff. Children who are parented would become the inspiration behind an “The Barrel Stories archive is an oral history archive but it is not meant to just be some in this way are sometimes outpouring of tales in the Barrel Stories referred to as ‘barrel Project. Launched in 2015 the project has place that you passively sit and listen, it’s children’. become an online platform for people meant to be something that actually reaches from the Caribbean to share records and out and helps to impact policy and parenting, experiences about parental separation and as well as impact adults who have not talked migration at barrelstories.org. about this before,” said Lisa.

Lisa described the significance of the barrel, International Screenings “I see the barrel as a way that people Auntie went on to gain recognition globally. who have migrated maintain their links – it It has been screened at more than 25 film provides material support. But also that festivals and events around the world. barrel is also a reflection of how well they are Following the success of the film and the doing - and is a reflection of their emotional wider Barrel Stories Project, Lisa Harewood state…It really is a link between the home has been invited to speak at colleges and they left behind and the home they are trying universities, where the film is being used to build in the new place.” as a teaching tool. She has participated in Award Winning panel discussions and literary festivals, and presented at academic conferences. Melissa Noel‘s interview with Lisa for Voices of New York was one of the winners of “Commonwealth Writers supports projects Barbadian film on issues that may be controversial or not of writer, director, the 2016 Global Media Competition. It was and producer recognised for ‘Breaking Stereotypes on interest to other kinds of funders, especially Lisa Harewood. at the local level,” said Lisa. Labour Migration’ by the International Labour ■ © Sophia Wallace The People’s Commonwealth > Commonwealth Stories in Translation 3218

Commonwealth Stories in Translation

“An exciting omen eading Bengali translator Arunava Sinha Lbelieves that translation is becoming more for the future of and more important in a globalised world. Bangla-language “This voice (in another language) needs to be literature translated heard louder than ever before. So that the uniformity of literature is disturbed. So that into English” readers know that stories are told in every corner of the world, stories very different from the ones they know, stories that can transport them to places they have never been,” he said.

The Book of Dhaka Languages of the Commonwealth are many from Bangla into English in 2014 and 2015. ‘The Capital’ by Ayham Kazoun, and varied, and stories from the vast majority Bangla is one of the world’s most spoken illustrated by of these languages are rarely translated into languages with an active literary community, Vaishali Jain English. Commonwealth Writers is working yet there is very little Bangla literature © Vaishali Jain with writers, editors and translators to bring translated into English. more of these stories to a wider audience. “Bangladesh, along with other Bengali- In partnership with the Dhaka Translation speaking parts of the Indian subcontinent, Center in Bangladesh, Commonwealth Writers boasts a varied millennium-old literary ran workshops for emerging fiction translators tradition of which little is known in the outside world”, said Kaiser Haq, director, Dhaka Translation Center. The Book of Dhaka: A City in Short Fiction This project culminated in the publication An anthology of short stories about of The Book of Dhaka, which was widely Bangladesh’s capital city by some of the acclaimed. World Literature Today wrote: country’s leading authors. “The quality of the translations and their editing is a testament to the quality of output “This is a Dhaka seen through the from the workshops…These stories are as alive fictional lens of writers who have lived as the city they celebrate and describe. The through the city’s ugliness as well as Book of Dhaka is an exciting omen for the its sheer beauties...This book stands future of Bangla-language literature translated to reason that collaborative efforts into English.” ■ can actually make a difference and bridge the gap between cultures and Kiswahili-English Literary Translation Project languages, between the east and the west.” The Dhaka Tribune Commonwealth Writers is working with Soma Book Café in Tanzania on a Kiswahili-English literary translation project. Skilling up Tanzanian Published by Comma Press, UK, and Bengal fiction translators and showcasing Kiswahili Lights Books, Bangladesh. poetry and prose in a forthcoming anthology. 3319 The People’s Commonwealth > Amplifying Voices for Gender Equality in East Africa

33Amplifying Voices for Gender Equality in East Africa

services for the realisation of these “The Commonwealth commitments. These actions require financial Foundation has been resources, institutional mechanisms and an invaluable partner accountability frameworks that should be in helping us create integrated in national plans and budgets. awareness and raise the profile of our campaign East African Community Gender for an East African Community Gender Barometer Equality and Development Bill and the accompanying The implementation of the Gender Bill, EAC Gender Barometer. demands work at both the regional and Thanks to this support, national level so EASSI has developed an East the draft Gender Bill African Community (EAC) Gender Barometer. will soon reach the final This tool has been developed to support EASSI ED Marren The Eastern African Sub- stage for adoption by the Akatsa-Bukachi decision makers nationally and regionally to East African Community. (holding a Regional Support Initiative for gauge progress toward gender equality. microphone) Thank you Commonwealth speaks at the the Advancement of Women Foundation.” launch of the Citizens views on government performance EAC Gender (EASSI) monitors the commitments are a fundamental component of the Marren Akatsa-Bukachi, Barometer of East African governments barometer that integrates the use of a EASSI Executive Director supported ‘Citizen Score Card’. The barometer offers by the towards gender equality. EASSI Commonwealth evidence based information for holding Foundation in partnership with women rights governments accountable to their gender

© EASSI alliances in each East African commitments. Community member state, has Regional engagement been campaigning for a regional The Gender Barometer Gender and Development Bill. The Commonwealth Foundation supported a has been pioneered multi-stakeholder dialogue on Gender Equality by Gender Links; a he Bill aims to consolidate policies to in Kampala in May 2017. Under EASSI’s Southern African civil Tadvance gender equality in the economic, leadership the dialogue provided a space for society organisation political, social and cultural spheres for the civil society, government representatives which successfully benefit of women and men into one legal from Kenya, , Tanzania and Uganda advocated to the framework. The Commonwealth Foundation as well as women’s rights activists to interact Southern African has supported EASSI’s advocacy on the Gender on the findings of the EAC Gender Barometer. Development Bill by enabling interaction between EASSI At the dialogue a government representative Community (SADC) and members of the East African Legislative from Seychelles offered the SADC experience for a regional gender Assembly. on the use of the barometer and spoke of protocol. how important the collaborative partnership Implementing those commitments requires to advance gender equality was. In addition governments to take a series of actions five policy briefs based on identified gender including formulating policies that remove priority issues were developed to include gender based discrimination, guaranteeing targeted policy recommendations on women’s rights, and providing the necessary realisation of gender equality in the EAC. ■ The People’s Commonwealth > Constructive Engagement: Mental Health Legislation Reform in Seychelles and Botswana 3420

Constructive Engagement: Mental Health Legislation Reform in Seychelles and Botswana

Women suffering from mental Did you know? health illnesses are at greater risk Mental health of violence, injury, abuse, neglect, legislation in 20% of Commonwealth maltreatment and exploitation. countries was enacted The Commonwealth Nurses prior to 1960 before and Midwives Federation with modern medical treatments and support from the Commonwealth international human Foundation aimed to protect rights conventions were women’s mental health rights available. through advocacy for reformed legislation in the Seychelles and government. It brought together lawyers, © Abhi Sharma Botswana. policy makers, health practitioners, civil society representatives, people with mental ental illness is frequently stigmatised health vulnerabilities and carers. Drafting Due to project Mforcing people to live in denial and instructions for a new mental health bill activities cabinet preventing them from seeking help when has been developed and endorsed in both memorandum in they need it. When they do seek help, they countries. The instructions explain the both Botswana face barriers such as a lack of culturally issues the proposed legislation is intended to and Seychelles appropriate services and information, and solve, the benefits and objectives of the new have accepted the deprivation of their human rights. legislation as well as a description of how the assessment that proposed legislation will work. The Botswana existing legislation Changing the landscape through and Seychelles governments have indicated does not meet the legislative reform their commitment to move forward and enact UN Convention on the new legislation. Rights of Persons with The risk to women is recognised in the Disabilities. They have UN Convention on the Rights of Persons The NMHAC in both countries have committed supported the drafting with Disabilities. Research by Dr Soumitra to continuing to meet as formal committees of new mental health Pathare in 2013 from the Indian Centre for to see the drafting instructions become new legislation. Mental Health Law and Policy concluded mental health legislation and are submitted that the specific needs and rights of women, to Parliament. They also intend to continue as adolescents and children were not being committees to ensure implementation of the met by mental health legislation in many legislation. ■ Commonwealth countries.

Civic voices engaging on legislative reform In Seychelles and Bostwana, a National Mental Health Advisory Committee (NMHAC) was organised with the full support of 3521 The People’s Commonwealth > Defining Governance for Resilience

35 Defining Governance for Resilience

Commonwealth Insights CPF2015 SERIES | Discussion Paper “The term resilience has gained credence as a policy response Indigenous knowledge to growing levels of insecurity, as a driver of complexity and vulnerability in our resilience Commonwealth Insights everyday lives. Resilience is life.” CPF2015 SERIES | Discussion Paper

Vandana Shiva, The Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) is a biennial event held prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. CPF 2015 took place on 23-26 November 2015 and was jointly organisedClimate by the Government of resilience (host) and the Commonwealth Foundation. CPF 2015 Keynote speaker at CPF 2015 critically explored policy based actions under the theme of “What Makes Resilient Societies?” It provided an innovative opportunity for civil society organisations to share knowledge and learn infrom each small other as well as to interactstates with governance institutions on key policy issues. The CPF2015 series elaborates on the issues covered in the Malta Declaration on Governance for he Commonwealth People’s Forum Resilience. (CPF) is a biennial event held prior to Introduction Commonwealth Insights T It is recognised that historically, CPF2015 SERIES | Discussion Paper The experience of colonisation imposed Indigenous People have the Commonwealth Heads of Government western values and the notion of knowledge " that prevailed in 18th Century Europe. This developed an in depth knowledge The Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) is a biennial event held prior to the Commonwealth marginalized Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and Meeting. CPF 2015 was jointly organised Heads of Government Meeting. CPF 2015 took placeof on their 23-26 territories, November 2015 which and was have jointly been their worldview. The Commonwealth People’s organisedCultural by the Government responses of Malta (host) and the Commonwealth source to of their Foundation. livelihoods CPF 2015 for Forum (CPF) in Malta in November 2015, explored by the host Government of Malta, civil critically explored policy based actions under the theme of “What Makes Resilient Societies?” the overarching theme of “What Makes Societies generations." It provided an innovative opportunity for civil society organisations to share knowledge and Resilient”learn from and each posited other Indigenous as well as toKnowledge interact with as governance institutions on key policy issues. society organisations and the Commonwealth The negative impact of western civilisation on a driverTheconflict CPF2015 of resilience. series elaborates on the issues covered in the Malta Declaration on Governance for the planet has encouraged a reassessment of Resilience. Foundation. CPF 2015 critically explored Presenters traced the challenges that Indigenous Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge. It is recognised Peoples have faced in their engagement with that historically, Indigenous People have policy-based actions under the theme: “What institutions, and responded to the following developedlevels, welfare an in and depth put knowledge pressure on of other their services. questions:Introduction What is missing from the orthodox territories,Water and which Commonwealthfood insecurity have been influences the source Insights educational of development discourse from an Indigenous theirattainment,CPF2015 livelihoods with SERIES for reduced generations. | Discussionnutritional Indigenous levels Paper Makes Resilient Societies?” Peoples’limate perspective? change representsHow relevant a direct is resilience knowledge,affecting productivity incorporating of learners. Indigenous science as a conceptand fundamental to the experiences crisis for theof Indigenous and awareness, also includes multiple good Commonwealths’ 31 small states, 24 of practices, which offer different approaches to People?CThe Commonwealth How can governance People’s systems Forum (CPF) challenge is a biennial Several event held Commonwealth prior to the Commonwealth states which are small island developing states, on contemporary challenges such as prediction, theHeads marginalisation of Government of indigenous Meeting. CPF knowledge 2015 took and place on 23-26 November 2015 and was jointly CPF provides an opportunity for civil society the frontline of global climate change impacts. adaptationhave setand mitigationambitious to climate targets change. to operationalizeorganised by more the Government inclusive policy of Malta and decision(host) and the“ Commonwealth Foundation. CPF 2015 DespiteSmall miniscule contributions states to the world’s and the makingcritically systems? explored What policy arebased the actions implications under the themeshift of reliance “What Makes on Resilientfossil fuels Societies?” and cumulative emissions level, climate change and to engage with Commonwealth leaders and forIt governanceprovided an systemsinnovative of opportunity Indigenous for Peoples’ civil society organisations to share knowledge and sea-level rise pose one of the gravest threats move to renewable sources of experiencelearngreen from of each resilience? other as welland as to interact blue with governance institutions on key policy issues. to small states. In small island states such as energy.” The CPF2015 series elaborates on the issues covered in the Malta Declaration on Governance for debate key issues facing Commonwealth , sea-level rise now presents an immediate Resilience. existentialeconomy threat; and for all others, these threats Small states are acutely dependent on imported people. The diversity of civil society are escalating rapidly. fossil fuels as their primary source of energy, resulting inCommonwealth triple adverse impacts: high Insights carbon organisations across the Commonwealth offers Introduction intensity, high energy costs and the use of a Key discussion points disproportionatelyCPF2015In organised SERIES large mediations |share Discussion of available of Paper detailed session on ‘Culture’ is routinely foreignconflict, exchange. culture Shifting tohas renewable sometimes invaluable opportunities for people to work deployed as both friend and foe. It “ An intensely cross-cutting policy theme domestic sources of energy can address all three can be a nationalist construct used to been overridden; in other AThe Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) is a biennialchallenges. event held There prior are to growing the Commonwealth efforts in small marginalise communities and an argument together towards more equitable societies. Climate change amplifies linkages between instances,states to move instrumentalised away from fossil fuels and to forHeads retaining of Government patriarchal Meeting. structures. CPF At 2015 took place on 23-26 November 2015 and was jointly land, energy, water, food, agricultural and other todevelop create sustainable impressions domestic sourcesof of energy. theorganisedMigration same time, by the it is Government the language of in Malta which (host) and and the Commonwealth Foundation. CPF 2015 policies. For example, climate change directly Several Commonwealth states have set ambitious CPF is an arena to share knowledge, good identitycritically and explored self-determination policy based are actions framed. under In the themereconciliation.” of “What Makes Resilient Societies?” affects agricultural production and output on targets to shift reliance on fossil fuels and move organisedIt provided mediations an innovative of conflict, opportunity culture for hascivil society organisations to share knowledge and which many countries rely, in turn affecting to renewable sources of energy. practice and shape the narrative of sometimeslearn from beeneach overridden;other as well in asother to interact instances, with governance institutions on key policy issues. international competitiveness and terms of The session sought to reflect on the potential instrumentalisedTheresilience CPF2015 series to createelaborates impressions on the issues of covered in the Malta Declaration on Governance for trade. The lack of predictability of rainfall may of culture to transform and be transformed. reconciliation.Resilience. How then are both the enabling future policies. fuel domestic and regional conflict and poverty Presentations explored how expressions of and disabling dimensions of culture negotiated culture during conflict were affected by political in situations of conflict? This was a subject of changes, by the safety of the presenters and debateResilience and discussion and at thethe Commonwealth Green Commonwealth Insights artistsThe CPF themselves 2015 session: and Small others; States, and Colourfulsubsequent Commonwealth People’s Forum 2015 was People’sand Blue Forum (CPFEconomy 2015) and was taken up at discussionCPF2015 sought SERIES to find | Discussionanswers to three Paper inter- the session titled “Cultural Responses to Conflict.” Economies included a presentation and discussion relatedaround questions:three case Howstudies: does Seaweed culture Farmingenable/ in he green economy and the blue economy disable inclusive engagement? What is civil attended by more than 330 participants The purpose of the session was to explore varied the Philippines; An investigation into the needs have both received significant attention society’s role in challenging conflict narratives? formsThe Commonwealth of good practice People’s in cultural Forum responses (CPF) is to a biennialfor a event green heldeconomy prior transitionto the Commonwealth in the Caribbean; in small states, particularly small islands And what are the implications for governance of Tconflict,Heads of inGovernment the interconnected Meeting. civil CPF society2015 took arenas place and, on 23-26a multi-stakeholder November 2015 restoration and was andjointly from 44 countries. The main outcome was organiseddeveloping by states the Government(SIDS), as alternative of Malta economic (host) and theincludingmanagement Commonwealth arts initiativeand culture Foundation. for ininshore peace CPF fisheries promoting 2015 in Fiji. of politics,Women, activism and the arts; and toagency consider strategies? approaches to address growing financial formscritically of engagementexplored policy that based are able actions to offer under the theme of “What Makes Resilient Societies?” the Malta Declaration on Governance for Ituncertainty provided an and innovative vulnerability. opportunity Although for there civil is society organisations to share knowledge and alternative paradigms and facilitate change. [UNEP defines the green economy learnstilland debate from eachon what other isresponsive meantas well by as the to interactgreen or with blue governance institutions on key policy issues. Resilience and it was accompanied by 10 Theeconomy, CPF2015 they series have beenelaborates promoted on the as offeringissues covered “ inas the one] Malta that Declaration results on in Governance improved for Resilience.a more resilient and sustainable economic path; human well being and social one that re-balances the social, environmental papers that were produced based on the governance equity, while significantly reducing and economic drivers. Introduction socialenviromental resilienceCommonwealth in risks” recipient countries Insights through discussions at CPF 2015. The blue economy has its origins in the transfers of knowledge, innovation technologies, green economydetailed session concept. at TheCommonwealth United Nations People’s andTheCPF2015 othersession resources. considered SERIES four | Discussion interlinked Paper EnvironmentForum Programme2015 was (UNEP)focused defines on Migration the questions: (i) What role can civil society play green economyand Resilience. as one ‘thatThe sessionresults inexplored improved the in advocating for, planning and delivering Ahuman well-being and social equity, while keyThe reasonsCommonwealth behind thePeople’s prevailing Forum narrative (CPF) is a onbiennial greenThe event or bluehistory held economy prior of to migrationsolutions? the Commonwealth (ii) What migration;significantlyHeads of Government and reducing identifying Meeting.environmental ways CPFto transform 2015 risks took and the place kinds onillustrates 23-26 of governance November the structures 2015profound and and was enabling andjointly currentecologicalorganisedPlanning discourse; scarcities’.by the Government and Green highlight economy of Maltapossible strategies (host)for policy and the“environments resilientCommonwealth facilitate Foundation. the green CPF economy 2015 solutionstendcritically to focus exploredfor onmigrants, the policy sectors recipientbased of energy, actions and transport, underdiaspora the thememultiplevision? of (iii) “What How associations Makescan economic, Resilient between social Societies?” and countries.sometimesIt provided agriculturean innovative and opportunity forestry, while for thecivil societymigrationenvironmental organisations and goals to sharehuman be met knowledge while vulnerability. providing and bluelearn economy from each focuses other onas fisherieswell as to sectorsinteract and with governancesignificant institutions benefit to onpeople key living policy in issues. poverty? marineurbanisation and coastal resources. Both incorporate It is important to recognise and TheThe sessionCPF2015 also series featured elaborates realities on the on issuesmigration covered And in (iv)the What Malta is Declaration the link between on Governance green economy for fromstrategiesResilience. different to address Commonwealth climate mitigation regions andtouching acknowledgeapproaches and resilient this.” communities? onadaptation. the various aspects from refugee perspectives to climate change and migration patterns resulting fromIntroduction it. Theconstitute history fundamental of migration principles illustrates of the many profound andprevailing multiple governing associations systems between and determine migration and Key tdiscussion CPF 2015, participants points convened to humanaccess to vulnerability. resources and It isservice important provision. to recognise explore the Forum’s overarching theme andHowever, acknowledge the concept this. of Yet,“individual migrants choice” have been of resilience with a dedicated session on andis often continue challenged to be when dehumanised women and in otherboth policy A andmarginalised media discourses. voices assert As the control scale of internationaltheir own MigrationtheThe theme Commonwealth of is “Women’s key to People’s resilient Agency Forum and societies Responsive (CPF) is a biennial event held prior to the Commonwealth Governance.”Heads of Government The goal ofMeeting. the session CPF was2015 to took placemigrationbodies on 23-26 or exercise Novemberhas increased, self-determination 2015 newand wasnarratives jointlyof their have Theunderstandorganised General by how theAssembly civil Government society of thecould of UnitedMalta make (host) Nations and thebeenterritories. Commonwealth constructed For example, that Foundation. challenge “women’s CPFthe choices” 2015humanity on of assertsinstitutionscritically that explored accountable international policy to based women’smigration actions voices – underensuring the thememigrants of “What and demonise Makes Resilient the timeless Societies?” process of freerandIt provided women’s and safe an needs;movement innovative and toof opportunity understandpeople across for how borderscivil society migration. Societies,organisations Instead which to there share is ostensibly knowledge a need to recoverand and – could bring substantial benefits as part of an embrace migration; and a growing and compelling governancelearn from eachsystems other can as deal well with as to the interact challenge with governanceembrace institutions the principle on key policy of issues. inclusiveofThe inclusion. CPF2015 globalization series elaborates process. Migrant’s on the issues networks covered “need in theto enforceMalta Declaration and respect on migrant Governance rights for and haveResilience. helped to build social capital and increase the voices.individual choice often ignore resilienceKey discussion of communities pointsof origin and boosting women’s choices based on principles,characteristics valuesof governance and systems morals were he session set out to critique the principle Introduction identified, particularly at the local and national of individual choice when applied to which are expressions of male- level, that need to be in place to enable the women’sore than demands half of the in policymaking.world’s population A T controlledinclusion of all systems.” sectors of the urban social reflectionnow on lives the strugglein cities andfor sexual by 2050 health the and landscape. reproductiveproportion rights isillustrated expected how to rise governance to 70%. M sexual health and reproductive rights are often issuesCities areor failures home to can extreme cause deprivationor exacerbate and the vulnerabilityenvironmental of degradationwomen. with one billion notMore addressed than or receive half ofinadequate the world’s attention people living in slums and informal settlements. in public policies, which often emphasise socialpopulation control over nowfemale lives sexuality in andcities and PolicyAt the same responses time, approximately to women’s 75% choices of global “ economic activity is urban; as the urban byreproduction. 2050 the In proportionmany countries, is schools expected do not teach reproductive rights, as the issue may be Bothpopulation institutions grows, and so willgovernance the urban systems share of to rise to 70%.” considered a sexual taboo, even while forming determineglobal GDP the and choices investments. that that matter. part of the official education curriculum. Individual choice and market dominance Urbanisation is a leading global trend that Key discussion points will have profound long-term impacts. Three presentations illustrated the types of actions that are needed to pursue resilient urbanisation. uring the CPF 2015 session, Planning for The first described the evolution of the Makoko Resilient Urbanisation, Commonwealth Floating School in the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria Dcivil society, experts and policymakers and the other two presentations focused on the explored three related questions: What are demographic, economic and other challenges the Commonwealth specific aspects that can faced by decision-makers, particularly local be identified within the global urbanisation government urban planners and decision- trend? What are the governance requirements makers, in building resilient cities. at the local and national levels that enable people’s participation in planning? And how can participatory planning processes in cities and human settlements contribute to building resilience? Through shared experiences, the The People’s Commonwealth > Defining Givernance for Resilience 2236

Commonwealth Insights CPF2015 SERIES What makes societies resilient?

Commonwealth Insights CPF2015 SERIES | Policy Brief

The Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) is a biennial event held prior to the Commonwealth “Transformative education – not a degree - is HeadsEngaging of Government with Meeting. CPF 2015 took place on 23-26 November 2015 and was jointly organised by the Government of Malta (host) and the Commonwealth Foundation. CPF 2015 needed to prepare citizens to find solutions.” criticallyLesbian, explored policy based Gay, actions underBisexual the theme of “What and Makes Resilient Societies?” It provided an innovative opportunity for civil society organisations to share knowledge and CPF 2015 participant, Commonwealth learnTransexual from each other as well as to and/orinteract with governance Intersex institutions on key policy issues. The CPF2015 series elaborates on the issues covered in the Malta Declaration on Governance for Insight on Transformative Education and Resilience.Policy: Issues and Challenges Sustainable Development in Small States. Summary Commonwealth Insights CPF2015 SERIES | Policy Brief he Commonwealth People’s Forum 2015 limited financial and human resources to cope. “We are not free until each and every one of (CPF2015) set out to expand contemporary There is growingIntroduction recognition of the pervasive The Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) is a biennial event held prior to the Commonwealth Transformativethinking on resilience by analysing education the impactand ofsustainable continuous shocks, threats and crises THeads of Government Meeting. CPF 2015 took place on 23-26 November 2015 and was jointly us is free.” concept in the context of people’s participation in eroding societal resilience and the inability of organised by the Government of Malta (host) and the Commonwealth Foundation. CPF 2015 anddevelopment governance. Civil society in from small across states:current approaches to address these. critically explored policy based actions under the theme of “What1. MakesThis Resilient Malta Societies?” Declaration on Governance for Resilience has been developed as an outcome of the the Commonwealth assembled in Malta CPF 2015 participant, Commonwealth It provided an innovative opportunity for civil society organisations to share knowledge and asked: What makes societies resilient? Four learn from each other as well as to interact with governance institutions on key policy issues. interweavingBuilding threads of inquiry resilience– transformation; The term through resilienceCommonwealth has gained People’s Forum 2015 (CPF 2015), held from 23-26 November 2015, in Malta. CPF The CPF2015 series elaborates on the issues covered in the Malta Declaration on Governance for Insight on Engaging with Lesbian, Gay, inclusion and responsiveness; transparency credence as a policy response Resilience. “ and accountability; and gender – framed the to growing levels2015 of insecurity, brought together more than 350 civil society participants. It reflects the outcome of discussionskills on how resilient and societies canlivelihoods be built. Bisexual and Transsexual and/or Intersex complexity anddiscussions vulnerability inby our civil society participants over three days, focused on the theme “What Makes The term Commonwealthresilience has gained credence as Contexta everyday lives.” Policy: Issues and Challenges. ■ policy response to growing levels of insecurity, complexity and vulnerability in our everyday This is where CPF Societies2015 started. It gathered Resilient”. civil Covering 19 sessions focused on policies, perspectives, case studies and esbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-violent societies. The second session, not lives. Insecure working and living situations society together to debate the validity of the intersex (LGBTI) people face criminalisation, an explicit policy discourse, Resilient Societies: due to poverty and large-scale unemployment concept of resilience,open its policy sessions, implications and many new insights have emerged and previously unheard voices expressed on violence, discrimination and exclusion Celebrating inclusion and diversity, provided LGBTI LareThe widespread Commonwealth across People’s the Commonwealth. Forum (CPF) isIn a biennialcame event up with held new prior takes to the on whatCommonwealth makes societies across and beyond the Commonwealth. The perspectives on the progress and approaches addition,Heads of threatsGovernment from climateMeeting. change, CPF 2015 inter took placeresilient. on 23-26 The November paper captures 2015 and key was elements jointly of that Commonwealth Charter makes reference across Commonwealthhow regions resilient on gender identity societies are built. Delegates have arrived at a number of achievable, practical andorganised intra-national by the Government migration and of Maltathe growing (host) and thediscussion. Commonwealth Foundation. CPF 2015 to the right to development for all, without and expression. interconnectednesscritically explored policy of people based form actions narratives under of the theme of “What Makes Resilient Societies?” discrimination on any grounds, as the foundation and targeted recommendations for actions to be taken by Commonwealth Heads of growingIt provided complexity an innovative and vulnerability. opportunity Many for civil of society organisations to share knowledge and of peaceful, just and stable societies. At the The Commonwealth Charter thelearn world’s from eachSmall other Island as Development well as to interact States withare governance institutions on key policy issues. opening session of CPF 2015, Commonwealth CommonwealthThe CPF2015 series members. elaborates These on states the issues are at covered inmakes the Malta reference DeclarationGovernment, to on the Governance right forCommonwealth Member States, Commonwealth bodies and civil society itself. Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma said “Being “ theResilience. frontline of climate change impacts and with to development for all, without committed to equality and human rights for all, without discrimination on any grounds, we discrimination on any grounds, as embrace difference, and that includes sexual the foundation2. The of peaceful, diversity just and of civil society organisations across the Commonwealth offers invaluable Theidentity. DiscriminationCommonwealth and criminalisation Context in any form on grounds of sexual orientation is stable societies.” incompatiblehe Commonwealth with our Commonwealth has always held values.” a Contemporary prioritiesopportunities flag how small states to re-think hegemonic and oppressive structures that hinder societal resilience, This wasunique the firstposition time where that thethe issuefuture of of LGBTI canBoth respond these sessions to major discussed external theshocks intersecting and had been directly addressed at a CPF by a roles of civil society,offering the Commonwealth the and opportunity for people across the Commonwealth to work together towards more Tsmall states is concerned; of the 52 challenges within environment, economic, Commonwealth members,Secretary General.30 are small states. culturalother actors and inpolitical promoting domains. non-violence This ability and to Of those, 24 are small island developing states respondsafeguarding – their minorities capacityequitable andto be marginalized resilient –societies. lies Inspired by the principles of equal partnerships, intergovernmental (SIDS).Two dedicated In fact, twosessions thirds at of CPF the 2015 world’s discussed small the atpeople the heart and identified of sustainability, several andimportant the role policy of statesprotection are in and the recognition Commonwealth, of LGBTI and minority all small and educationrecommendations. is criticalorganisations, to that ability. national governments, communities, civil society and the private sector are statesmarginalized collectively groups account as fundamental for one quarter to resilient of votessocieties. at the The United first, Nationsa policy Generaldialogue Assembly. under the Small States have an early title Resilient societies: Security of all people in all their encouraged to dialogue for policies that help communities and societies to flourish and pattern of shifting educational Smalldiversity states, focused have on distinctive good practice common in building features “ that contributed to commonalities despite priorities beyondstrengthen matters of accesstheir resilience. While acknowledging externally imposed development pathways this great diversity. The commonalities exist and towards issues of retention, in the economic and social domains, proving a that failed, countries need to face the economic, social, environmental, and financial threats framework for development that offers unique quality, equity, inclusion and skills opportunities for innovation and new pathways training.” which often exacerbate violent conflict and political unrest. Marginalised and unheard voices to development, and these have implications for education. Small States have an early pattern of Commonwealth civil society with the support of shifting educational priorities beyond matters of the Commonwealthneed Foundation to has become taken the part of the dialogue, which respects the diversity of all people in all of their access and towards issues of retention, quality, lead on this exploration. Civil society’s proposals From left to right: equity, inclusion and skills training. This has were submitted asdiversity, a statement to – and for in many the construction of truly resilient societies that addresses problems at their root generated insightful and valuable experience instances adopted by - the 19th Conference of from which others can learn. Commonwealth Educationcause. Ministers (CCEM), Commonwealth held in the, Bahamas in June 2015. These proposals identify successes achieved in the drive Foundation Insight for strengthened education systems including 3. In the CommonwealthPapers: Large CPF 2015Ocean Nations, Least Developed Countries, Indigenous Peoples, series. Small States and Small Island Developing States are at the front line of facing climate change impacts, economic CPFand 2015 environmental launch shocks and therefore need to be at the frontline of the with Sir Anand dialogue which genuinely seeks pathways that offer the possibilities for people, communities Satyanand, and their cultures toCommonwealth flourish. Foundation Chair, 2012-2016 Building Resilient Societies: © Commonwealth 4. The CommonwealthFoundation has a long history in initiating, leading and informing global analytical and policy discourse on vulnerability and resilience building. In an increasingly turbulent world, the perpetual character of crisis and vulnerability bring to sharp focus the utility of resilience as a policy response, especially in cases where mainstream notions of resilience perpetuate vulnerability.

5. Resilience as a notion should be understood as a complex, multifaceted construct which must be shaped by unheard voices and narratives, responding to all forms of vulnerability and upholding the rights of all people in all their diversity.

6. While dominant and hegemonic interpretations and narratives of resilience present it as the capacity to respond to shocks and vulnerability, a more compelling narrative is to consider “resilience as life” – an inherent capacity in all living organisms to adapt to contextual changes 3723 The People’s Commonwealth > Starting Young for Inclusive Governance

37 Starting Young for Inclusive Governance

the model of how young people can be part of democracy in the Caribbean. They’ve delivered lists of demands and complaints to local governments councillors,” said Rubadiri.

Young voices in the community Training a new generation Opening up access for young people to their school and local government has created an environment that is more responsive to having 610 Students a dialogue with students in the development trained of policy and delivery of public services. Many young people are attending council meetings Trainers to engage with councillors on public markets, 57 involved Students from The Caribbean Association of Local road safety, and public facilities such as Bon Air High toilets, water fountains and water quality. School and El Government Authorities (CALGA) is Dorado East encouraging young people to get Learning about the need for sustainable stage a spirited development whether debating human Mock Council involved in civil society. debate. rights, gender equality or cultural diversity © CALGA ith Commonwealth Foundation support is built into the programme. At a meeting Trinidad & CALGA aims to promote democratic with young people at New Amsterdam Tobago. W principles and public ethics with young Town Hall in Guyana the Town Clerk Merlyn people. Cultural Activist Rubadiri Victor who Henry said; “the involvement of youth in designed the training model and manual for local government system and community the project explained they’re co-creating governance is extremely important today to opportunities for secondary school students sustainability and democracy.” to speak, debate and develop leadership skills Young voices online by presenting ideas to their newly formed student councils or engaging with councillors Young people in the Caribbean are finding in their chambers. new ways to be heard, aided by access to information and social media. The “One of the first things we work on is letter project’s Facebook page shows the level of writing and communications,” said Rubadiri. engagement. Photos and videos of events, “Students write letters to their school songs, drama and extracts from their letter principal and then to local government about writing campaigns make a rich mix of civic issues in their communities. The young people activity. ■ often have very different ideas on what needs to be done and the councils have committed to listening to their solutions.”

“Our young people want to do something. They’re the future leaders of government and are holding their principals to account. They’re finding their voices and creating The People’s Commonwealth > Raising Carers Voices in India 2438

Raising Carers Voices in India

97% of carers in India are women 1,500+ who often work without pay to look after a family member with Carers positively impacted through a chronic illness or disability training for home- at the cost of their own health, based work, like goat education and livelihood. Carers rearing and tailoring. Worldwide with support from the Commonwealth Foundation is advocating for social provision and protection for India’s carers.

Gyanamma and This project is creating the first opportunity support for income generation activities and received government supported livelihood her son Naveen, “for carers to come together, be seen and aged 3, who has make their voices heard. It’s a huge step training compatible with caring. In addition, cerebral palsy. carers under the project have received forward for this vulnerable group who, until © SAMUHA now, have been unrecognised by their medical insurance for people with disabilities Samarthya communities and wider society,” explained which means carers no longer pay for health Anil Patil, Founder of Carers Worldwide. care. For women like Sudhamai who cares without “The project is working Facilitating peer support any source of income the group has been small miracles in the a lifeline. “Recently I had problems with village. Like a drop of The project supported district level finance, so I borrowed money from the ink in a bucket of water Carers’ Associations, allowing people to support group to start my own homebased which changes the whole communicate with peers and giving them a business,” she said. colour. Long may the ink platform through which they can make their drops last.” issues known to development and district Anil Patil, Founder of government agendas. Changing policy for carers Carers Worldwide “The carers group is a safe space for me. Carers Worldwide has been invited to work Previously, I was lonely and isolated. Now with the state government of Karnataka to I have the chance to discuss my personal formulate the guidelines on implementation of problems with people who really understand,” India’s new Disability Act, which will improve said a member of Carers Group in Chakralla standards of health and wellbeing of carer village. They also learned advocacy skills, givers too. Carers Associations are working to allow them to participate in their own with over 100 organisations to develop a development. national strategy to secure support for carers. Local partners are advocating for a national movement for carers wellbeing. ■ Government support for Carers Through the project 443 carers gained access to government schemes such as financial 3925 The People’s Commonwealth > Message from the Deputy Director-General

39

n March 2016, my colleagues and I sat under a tree in a village in INorthern Ghana with women farmers sharing their experience in interacting with their local council on issues they face. A year later in May 2017, we found ourselves in Geneva facilitating a policy dialogue between civil society and policy makers in the health sector, in advance of the Commonwealth Health Ministerial Meeting. Two instances worlds apart in geography and time, but not in spirit.

In support of civic voice, the Foundation navigates the terrain we know as governance, at different levels. The stories gathered here give readers a sense of the range of civic participation in governance across the Commonwealth. It highlights meaningful lessons derived from reform work and how creative expression, through our programme Commonwealth Writers, continues to inspire.

As we begin a new strategy period, the Foundation with its partners will continue to engage in a deeper understanding of country-specific governance systems, policy choices and ways by which these policies are executed, implemented and inform the functions and functioning of the system.

The terrain of policy reform is arduous and its fabric complex. The Foundation with its partners is convinced that the key thread at the heart of governance is civic voice, as it engages collectively in policy processes and hold government to account to its national development plans, its adherence to and ratification of internationally agreed conventions, treaties and agendas such as SDG 2030. The many ways civic voice, those less heard, can inform and influence public discourse. This we call the People’s Commonwealth.

The Foundation and its partners look ahead to the next four years, with an effervescent audacity to amplify civic voice - women’s and those of all people in their diversity - in support of an inclusive and fairer Commonwealth. Now more than ever…

Myn Garcia Deputy Director-General 40

Do you have a story to tell? Well told stories can help to reveal the world, enrich our experience of it and imagine how to change it.

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize Read more stories and find out how to enter at commonwealthwriters.org/our-projects/the-short-story/

Looking for support? Commonwealth Foundation Grants are for projects that contribute to effective, responsive and accountable governance.

We make grants to civil society organisations for multi-year projects that strengthen civic voices in Commonwealth member states.

Find out more at commonwealthfoundation.com/grants/ 41

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