Professor Jude Howell helped the Australian Government refine its efforts to strengthen the role and effectiveness of civil society in developing countries
What was the problem?
'Civil society' refers to that part of society consisting of independent non-governmental organisations linked around shared concerns and collective activity to promote citizens' interests and concerns. In developing countries, civil society can be a powerful agent for change. Alongside government and private sectors, it can contribute to improved services, enhancement of social inclusion and government accountability.
For donor organisations from other countries, it is not always clear which civil society organisations have local legitimacy, strong management or genuine transparency. Donor organisations also face practical challenges, suc