Promoting Equitable, Accountable, Civic Engagement in Myanmar

Promoting Equitable, Accountable, Civic Engagement in Myanmar (PEACE) was a project to enhance resources and strengthens the capacities of local CSOs for an empowered civil society in Myanmar that embraces diversity, promotes social inclusiveness, accountability, transparency, and civic responsibility.

Promoting Equitable and Accountable Civic Engagement in Myanmar (also known as the PEACE project) was a four-year project started in August 2016 and concluded in July 2020, which was implemented by a three-member consortium: HELVETAS Intercooperation gGmbH, the Local Resource Centre (LRC), and the Partnership for Transparency Fund e.V. (PTF e.v.). The European Union provided the co-funding.

The PEACE project’s objective was to support the local civil society organisations’ (CSO) participation and influence in the planning, implementation and review of development projects, service delivery and policies at national and sub-national levels for more inclusive and equitable development in Myanmar. The PEACE project supported the CSOs working in Yangon, Mandalay, Magway and Tanintharyi regions, and Mon, Kayin and Northern Shan States.

Around 50 people from these areas were trained as core trainers who delivered multiplier training in their own communities that reached 1,000 people. They most appreciated learning about proposal writing, grant project management, financial management, civic engagement and advocacy.

Altogether, 179 grants were allocated to 139 organizations over three years for implementing civic engagement projects. Most grants were between Euro 1,000 and Euro 14,000.

Networks for civic engagement were established in all project areas, which were joined by 287 organizations as of May 2020. Shared advocacy agendas were created, with space for new issues to emerge locally. A national network supported regional networks for civic engagement. Many of the powerful stories of successful local advocacy address issues that fall outside the formal agenda for advocacy.

Download the final project report for more information.