Countering Shrinking Civic and Political Space
ActionAid Zambia Limited
$50,000
To strengthen the capacity of grassroots civil society to adapt and respond to closing civic space in Zambia. Informed by its recent research report, the organization will coordinate a nation-wide movement to counter shrinking civic space. It will train its network of grassroots activists and journalists to strategically navigate the new environment, build a support network for human rights defenders, monitor the effects of shrinking space throughout the country, and conduct research and policy advocacy.
Lawyers for Human Rights
Zambia Episcopal Conference (Caritas Zambia)
$95,000
To defend human rights, rule of law, and constitutionalism in Zambia. The grant will support an initiative dedicated to providing legal services to human rights defenders, training human rights lawyers, strengthening the work of civil society activists, holding educational forums, and conducting strategic litigation and advocacy to promote human rights and the rule of law.
Promoting Inclusive Citizen Engagement and Participation in Governance
Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council
$65,000
To enhance citizen participation and civil society coordination in governance processes in Zambia. The organization will coordinate civil society organizations and human rights defenders to jointly campaign for more accountable governance, protections for civic space, and constitutional awareness in five provinces. It will facilitate the creation of networks of human rights defenders and host public forums for communities to discuss ongoing governance processes and review political party manifestos ahead of Zambia’s 2021 elections.
Re-Opening The Space
Bloggers of Zambia
$45,000
To defend freedom of expression in Zambia and Southern Africa. The organization will carry out a campaign to defend internet freedom, conduct awareness and advocacy with parliamentarians around pending internet regulation legislation, and promote citizen participation in the campaign. It will also conduct digital rights trainings for activists and human rights lawyers and organize a regional meeting to share experiences and solidarity with activists throughout the sub-region who are facing similar closing space restrictions.
Strengthening Citizens’ Oversight and Agency in Fostering Democracy
Panos Institute Southern Africa
$58,000
To strengthen the capacity of grassroots citizens to engage with their elected officials, promote government accountability, and defend constitutionalism in Zambia. The project will support interactive national and community radio and television programs, radio listening clubs, community theater, community dialogues, and a media campaign. The organization will also provide capacity building and outreach support for a consortium of Zambian LGBTI organizations.
