Relations Between Gender-Focused NGOs, Advocacy Work, and Government: A Ugandan Case Study

Citation:

Nabacwa, Mary Sonko. 2010. “Relations Between Gender-Focused NGOs, Advocacy Work, and Government: A Ugandan Case Study.” Development in Practice 20 (3): 395–406. doi:10.1080/09614521003710039.

Author: Mary Sonko Nabacwa

Abstract:

Relations between the Ugandan government and NGOs engaged in gender-focused NGO advocacy tend to keep NGOs visibly engaged but do not necessarily alter the status of poor women. These relations manifest themselves in government advising NGO advocacy work; sympathising with the NGOs; co-opting NGOs and individuals; publicising gender issues; and de-legitimising gender-focused NGO activities. The article links these phenomena to the government's wish to appear receptive to the concerns of civil-society organisations, of which NGOs are a major component. This is important to its image in the international aid community, where it projects itself as generally democratic and supportive of good governance.

Keywords: gender and diversity, Governance and public policy, Sub-Saharan Africa

Topics: Civil Society, Gender, Women, Governance, NGOs Regions: Africa, East Africa Countries: Uganda

Year: 2010