The programme specifically aims at supporting civil society to gain a stronger foothold in the definition and implementation of public policies and encourages the Government to establish a closer partnership with CSOs and the people. It also intends to strengthen the engagement of CSOs in Ethiopia by going beyond their usual role of service provision and seeks to enhance their intermediary role between State bodies and citizens.

 

The purposes of the programme are:

• Strengthening citizens' voice for policy dialogue
• Reinforcing citizens' role in the monitoring of national policies
• Strengthening the sustainability and contribution of CSOs, including those working on gender equality and women's empowerment and of women's groups to the development and democratisation process.