Local Empowerment and Development – Civil Society LEADs
People in Need (PIN), in partnership with the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), has launched the CSO LEADS Project to enhance governance and sustainable development in Zambia by empowering civil society organizations (CSOs). The project focuses on CSOs representing women, youth, and marginalized communities, aiming to boost their participation in public governance and decision-making.
The Local Empowerment and Development (LEAD) program addresses challenges faced by CSOs by strengthening internal governance, enhancing skills in policy development, advocacy, and social accountability, and promoting collaboration with political actors and stakeholders.
A key element of the initiative is the Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), enabling targeted CSOs to invest in their development, coordinate with local governments, and engage in evidence-based advocacy. This will support improved local governance and inclusive development in Zambia.
The Civil Society Now (CSN) platform provides resources and visibility for the project’s capacity-building efforts.
Targeted beneficiaries
Civil Society LEADs - CSOs from among women, youth, and marginalized groups
Overall Objective
Empowered and resilient civil society actors contribute to strengthened governance and sustainable development in Zambia
Specific objective
Women, youth, and marginalised group CSOs and CSO networks effectively engage in policy dialogue, public sector governance and local development processes
Project Activities
FSTP to support LEAD CSOs and CSO networks'
PIN is excited to offer funding to LEAD CSOs and CSO networks, empowering them to choose their preferred organizational development investments and effectively implement the initiatives outlined in their newly developed Action Plans.
Adaptation of the Civil Society Now platform
Adapting the platform includes adding content relevant to the CSO and CSO networks' capacity needs and ensuring it is user-friendly for all levels of the CSO and CSO networks participating in the project
Capacity Development Actions
LEAD CSO and CSO network capacity development actions focused on internal management systems, financial management, digital skills, and resource mobilization.The LEAD CSO initiative prioritizes the capacity development of civil society organizations through targeted actions. These actions focus on enhancing internal management systems, improving financial management practices, developing essential digital skills, and strengthening resource mobilization efforts.
Strategic partnerships
Enhance strategic relationships between LEAD Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), CSO networks, political actors, traditional leadership, the private sector, and the media. These strategic relationships enable the exchange of knowledge and best practices and foster cooperation. Events will include discussions, sharing sessions, practical field visits, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning during the implementation of specific project activities.
Stakeholder Engagement and Networking Events
Through the networking events, LEAD CSOs/CSO networks working in the same thematic area will be encouraged to come together and formalize their cooperation through the development of joint partnership strategies or Memoranda of Understanding to facilitate partnerships
On-the-job Consultation
Expert coaching and mentorship sessions to enhance capacity development in the CSO network, focusing on technical skills in policy engagement, evidence-based advocacy, participatory decision-making, and social accountability, communication and advocacy, resource mobilization, and Monitoring and Evaluation among others.
Highlights from the project
