Civil society organizations (CSOs) have assured their commitment to improving contribution to socio-economic transformation of citizens as they reflect on the scores of the Rwanda Governance Scorecard.
The recent Rwanda governance scorecard (RGS) 8th edition (2021) rated the participation and inclusiveness of CSOs in socio-economic transformation of citizens and the country at 69.29%, CSOs in policy formulation at 72.00%, and impact/effectiveness of CSOs at 71.96%.
The RGS specifically recommends to enhance partnership with non-state actors especially civil society organizations and the private sector to play a significant role in socio-economic transformation of citizens and the country.
Speaking during the National Dialogue on the role of civil society organizations in national socio-economic transformation, Nooliet Kabanyana, Executive Secretary of Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV/AIDS and Health Promotion (RNGOF on HIV/AIDS & HP) said: “We need to engage more the people that we are working together. We promise to increase the contribution, as civil society organizations”.
The meeting, held on March 30, 2022, was organized by Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV/AIDS and Health Promotion with its coalition members namely Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights Development, Ihorere Munyarwanda Organization and Health Development Initiative, in collaboration with Rwanda Civil Society platform through the project “Strengthening Rwandan civil society organizations’ capacity to influence policy”.
During the dialogue, Civil Society Organizations discussed and reflected on RGS indicators and variables that rate the performance of CSOs on their role on national transformation, being an occasion for self-evaluation and getting together solutions for greater impact and effectiveness.
“We have opportunities to take as CSOs; we are close to the community which would facilitate advocacy. Another opportunity is to use the social media platforms for easily having interaction and feedback,” said Aaron Clevis Mbembe, head of policy influencing and advocacy at HDI.
Among event participants included Hon. Christine Murebwayire, Member of Parliament, Chamber of Deputies who called on the CSOs to base their service on households.
“I have recently done a fieldwork in different families, and found out that there are problems that need your emphasis. You should base your service on households where family problems have risen, including domestic violence which undoubtedly affects the wellbeing of family members,” she said.
She added that she appreciates the contribution of CSOs in developing the country.
