Strengthening Democracy and Civic Engagement
Transparency and active citizenship improve local governance
The Strengthening Democracy and Civic Engagement (SDCE) model is Tostan’s newest innovation within its three-year Community Empowerment Program (CEP). It strengthens dialogue and collaboration between citizens and local authorities, supporting inclusive, accountable, and community-driven governance.
Local authorities trained to strengthen transparency and accountability since 2020
What's at Stake
Across West Africa, decentralization reforms have created opportunities for citizens to play a greater role in local governance. Yet many of these efforts face similar challenges. Local institutions often lack the resources and skills to engage effectively with communities, while citizens may have limited understanding of how local government works or how to participate in decision-making.
The Strengthening Democracy and Civic Engagement (SDCE) model bridges this gap. It equips both community members and local authorities with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to collaborate, plan, and manage resources transparently.
Tostan first piloted the model in 2018–2019 in eight districts across four regions of Senegal, in partnership with UNICEF. Following strong results, the SDCE approach is now being integrated into Tostan’s programs across the region.
What We're Doing
Strengthening Democracy and Civic Engagement enhances community capacity to advocate and collaborate with local government in pursuing a collective vision of well-being. At the same time, it builds the capacity of elected officials in decentralized government structures to manage resources and carry out their community development mandates. It creates institutional change that is aligned and connected to community-led social change, further contributing to systemic and sustainable positive change.
The SDCE training modules engage communities through their Community Management Committees (CMCs) as well as elected officials at the district level (Wards, Collectivités Territoriales, Cercles, etc.).
Topics include:
- Democracy, good governance, and decentralization.
- Human rights and civic participation.
- Participatory planning and budgeting.
- Transparency, accountability, and roles of local actors.
These sessions create new dynamics in district councils, leading to stronger collaboration and more transparent local governance.
Impact and sustainability
Through their Community Management Committees (CMCs), communities develop a stronger understanding of local governance processes and the responsibilities of their elected representatives. They engage more actively in planning and budgeting and collaborate with local authorities to deliver collective priorities.
Tostan also supports the creation of Children’s Municipal Councils. Elected child representatives develop their own action plans and take part in District Council meetings. Their participation ensures that children’s voices and needs are included in community planning and decision-making.