The Awaz (Voice) project represents our commitment to strengthening democracy at the grassroots level by empowering communities to actively participate in governance and decision-making processes. Through the establishment of village forums and union council forums, we create platforms where ordinary citizens can raise their voices, hold local authorities accountable, and contribute to the development of their communities.
Our village forums serve as the foundation of community engagement, bringing together residents from diverse backgrounds to discuss local issues, identify priorities, and develop collective solutions. These forums facilitate open dialogue between community members and local government representatives, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups—including women, youth, and minorities—are heard and valued in decision-making processes. Through regular meetings and structured discussions, villagers learn to articulate their needs, advocate for their rights, and work collaboratively toward common goals.
At the union council level, our forums create a crucial link between communities and local government institutions. We facilitate constructive engagement between citizens and elected representatives, promoting transparency, accountability, and responsive governance. Union council forums provide a structured mechanism for citizens to monitor public services, track development projects, and ensure that allocated resources reach their intended beneficiaries. Through capacity building workshops, we equip forum members with knowledge about local governance systems, budget processes, and civic rights.
The impact of the Awaz project extends beyond individual communities, contributing to a culture of active citizenship and participatory democracy. By strengthening the social contract between citizens and government, we foster trust, improve service delivery, and create sustainable mechanisms for community-driven development. Through these forums, ordinary citizens become agents of change, transforming from passive recipients of services into active participants in shaping the future of their communities and ensuring accountable, responsive governance at the local level.