Alla impact stories
Cooperation on regulations of civil society in Zimbabwe
Through an initiative led by our partner ZI, dialogue between public authorities and civil society led to joint proposals for implementing a new law regulating civil society organisations in Zimbabwe. The process helped rebuild trust between civil society and the state, while creating better conditions for continued work on democracy, gender equality, and human rights in the country.When a new law regulating the work of civil society organisations was passed in Zimbabwe, tensions between the government and civil society increased. Many organisations were concerned about how the law would affect their ability to work and represent vulnerable groups.
Dialogue between affected actors
The Palme Center’s partner organisation, the independent think tank Zimbabwe Institute (ZI), then took the initiative to resume dialogue with the authorities.
By bringing organisations together in a joint coordination group, the voice of civil society was strengthened and common grounds could be met. ZI also organised national dialogue meetings where civil society met with government representatives and relevant authorities.
These discussions focused on the implications of the law and how the regulations could be designed to function more effectively in practice.
Improving the implementation of new law
The process led to a joint effort to develop principles and proposals for regulations on how the law should be implemented. The government has also clarified registration processes and shown greater openness to civil society’s interests.
This work has helped to rebuild trust between civil society and the state. At the same time, it has created better conditions for organisations to continue working on issues such as democracy, gender equality and human rights in Zimbabwe.
