CONGOMA develops policy briefs to guide civic space

Council for Non Governmental Organisarions in Malawi (CONGOMA) has released position papers papers on civic space and the collaboration between civil society and socialenterprises.

Speaking during the release of the papers, Congoma Director of programs Sikenala Kaludzi said the the documents are crucial steps towards strengthening civic participation.

“These comprehensive policy documents are a significant step towards strengthening civic participation in development processes and
ensuring the sustained impact of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) through strategic resource mobilization, mirroring the successful models employed by social enterprises” said Kaludzi.

Kaludzi said the policy papers, meticulously crafted, provide a roadmap for creation of an enabling environment for civic engagement while promoting fruitful collaborations between civil society
organizations (CSOs) and social enterprises.

Kaludzi said the initiative aligns with our shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and empowering communities as enshrined in the
Sustainable Development Goals and the Malawi 2063.

The papers addresses the need to Promote Civic Space as well as emphasizing the importance of maintaining and expanding civic space, while ensuring that individuals and organizations have the freedom to express their views and participate actively in decision-making processes.

“By safeguarding civic space, we contribute to the creation of inclusive and democratic societies, ” says Kaludzi.

Another area which the documents touch is on community Empowerment. On this one a central theme in the policy papers is the empowerment of communities through inclusive development processes.

The papers outline approaches to ensure that the voices of marginalized and
vulnerable groups are heard and considered in decision-making, fostering a more equitable and just society.

Congoma is an umbrella body of NGOs in Malawi designated by the NGO (Amendment) Act of 2022 and the principle Act of 2000.