The importance of fighting for Democracy: Let’s join the international movements

Last month, on September 15, we celebrated the International Day of Democracy. That day reflects the importance of inclusive civic participation for tackling corruption and reaffirming transparency. As global democracy continues to decline and civic space shrinks, greater and more inclusive citizen participation in shaping the decisions that impact the day-to-day lives of communities, remains essential for ensuring transparency in the management and delivery of public services and holding power to account.

Corruption can undermine free and fair societies, and the impact is not always felt equally, with those most marginalized particularly vulnerable to corruption. This can result in barriers to accessing vital public services such as education and healthcare.

That’s why projects, which champion with grassroots and community driven solutions to combat corruption, are so important.

For instance, Transparency International Zimbabwe has helped establish Women Empowerment Circles – spaces for women to gather and workshop solutions to corruption in public service delivery. In Mutare’s, Sakubva suburb, a group of women participating in empowerment circles and living with disabilities approached the Mutare Council to demand it move its mobile water supply services to more accessible areas. This interaction resulted in the water supply services being moved to places more easily accessible to women and those living with disabilities, as well as the council sharing its water delivery schedule so people could keep track of where and when deliveries would take place.

Young people in Zimbabwe are holding power to account by organizing through WhatsApp to share information about corruption in education. These digital organizing efforts encourage others to speak out and ask questions and have even resulted in direct engagement with a Member of Parliament on educational aid allocation within the Silobela constituency.

Meanwhile in Ghana, social accountability and community participation are proving essential for improving public service delivery. Transparency International Ghana has established 12 Social Auditing Clubs (SACs) to empower grassroots governance and combat corruption locally. With a strong commitment to inclusion, each SAC ensures at least 40% female representation and includes a member living with a disability. These clubs actively monitor education and healthcare services, promote transparency and encourage citizen involvement in decision-making to bridge the gap between citizens and duty bearers.

These are just a few key examples of how social accountability and inclusive civic participation is essential for tackling corruption. When working to ensure accountability and transparency in the management and delivery of public services, we must build meaningful partnerships with grassroots movements and community leaders. This will help us create strategies that reflect real-world experiences, prioritize community knowledge and serve the needs and wants of those most at risk of corruption. Because the fight against corruption will only succeed when the voices of those most vulnerable to its impacts are heard and are centered as the leaders and drivers of change.

In the Philippines, the youth is a good example of supporting accountability and inclusive civic participation in fighting corruption. For example, the students from top universities lead rallies versus corruption. The country’s Catholic bishops have urged Filipinos, especially the youth, to take a stronger role in confronting corruption, adding: ‘Make corruption shameful again’.

In conclusion, fighting for democracy and against corruption is essential. Let’s join the international movements. I am sure that many of you joined the very recent Philippine uprising against corruption.

I look forward to your reactions; please contact me at [email protected]