This set of 12 papers brings together experiences, lessons, and good practice from Oxfam GB and its partners global programme work on the theme of the right to be heard. The papers describe different ways to strengthen the participation of people in poverty so that they become active citizens and shape policy decisions. Many poor people around the world are denied the opportunity to have their say. Politics generally works well for those in power, but those in poverty are often excluded from forums on issues that directly affect their welfare and so are unable to hold decision-makers to account. Due to this lack of opportunity for poor people to influence debates, many government policies and resource allocations systematically marginalise the people who most need support and assistance and so block progress towards reducing poverty and suffering. These papers cover different approaches, lessons learned, and useful case examples on issues ranging from local community budget monitoring to popular mobilisation and media work. The authors show that addressing a lack of voice and ability to speak out against injustice, as well as the more tangible issues, can make a big difference to people's ability to achieve greater well-being and get out of poverty, and so work towards a point where poor and marginalised women and men are more powerful and able to access their rights.
144 pages, 297 x 210 x 9mm, Folder, ISBN 9780855986384 |
