In 2017, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy launched a two-year programme to support research and information management in the Parliament of Botswana, while improving methods to engage citizens with the parliaments work. Working with parliamentary staff from the Research and Library, Hansard, Public Relations, ICT departments and who support Committees, the programme will lead to improved and informed policies; and increased citizen participation in legislation and policy-making. .
Parliaments are at their core information institutions. The technical capacity of parliamentary staff to support MPs in receiving clear, non-biased and accurate information is vital for MPs to provide effective review of government proposals. Access to relevant information helps parliaments to develop responsive evidence-based public policies. An increased awareness and understanding of the role of Parliament with citizens is critical to strengthening public participation in the legislative process. By strengthening the National Assembly of Botswana’s procedures for the production and dissemination of research and information management, and developing the Parliament’s strategy to deliver better and effective communications, the Parliament of Botswana will be better equipped to provide effective research support to Members and to provide tailored outreach, education and engagement to citizens and stakeholders.
Under the proposed Commonwealth project, WFD will work with the Parliament of Botswana and other regional countries, to address institutional barriers affecting the participation of traditionally underrepresented groups including young people, women and persons with disabilities.
In October 2019, hundreds of persons with disabilities met with the Mozambican President, Felipe Nyusi and secured his commitment to new laws, policies and strategies to improve the socio-economic and political inclusion of persons with disabilities in Mozambique. The Forum of Organisations of People with Disabilities (FAMOD) and Mozambican Association of Disable People (ADEMO), in […]
Democracy goes beyond the ballot box. For democracy to flourish, elected representatives need to be able to find out and understand the needs of the people they represent. Ways for people to find out what is going on in parliament and respond to it are just as important. In Sierra Leone, WFD has been working […]
