The Role of Women's Organisations in CSB: Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa

Publication date: Thursday 17 March 2005

Synthesis Report: The Role of Women's Organisations in Civil Society Building, A joint evaluation of the programmes of Cordaid, Hivos and Icco in Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe in the period 1998 - 2003

This report is the final synthesis of the joint evaluation of the programmes of three Dutch co-financing agencies, Cordaid, Hivos and Icco. It contains an assessment of the role of women's organisations in civil society building in three countries in Africa: Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The consultants conclude that women's organisations contribute to:
- increased attention for women's rights;
- strengthening of the social identity of women;
- increased participation of women in public life and decision-making;
- creation of new norms and values in society (for instance breaking down taboos concerning HIV/Aids), and
- maintaining social cohesion.

Therefore the relevance of the contribution of women's organisations to civil society building is assessed to be high.