Pria: Accountability crisis: A new agenda in the making

Dear Mohammad Ahsan Khan,

Thanks for sharing the write up. We read it and found very relevant in relation to the Social Accountability Course. You have good understanding towards the social accountability concept.

And as you have correctly mentioned that social accountability is less understood, unexplored, and community based mechanism are missing. This problems needs to be addressed. And we hope Tools for Social Accountability course provides some answers.

Good. Keep it up!

Thanks,

Bhavita and Shivani

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Dear Learners,

We encourage the other participants to also share and participate though various means like write ups, case studies, photos, ppts, etc or at at least add views to the current discussions. As sharing of information begets gaining of more knowledge.

So, participate and share!

Thanks

Bhavita and Shivani

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Hi Mohammad,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I totally agree with you, I guess problems and challenges are the same everywhere. I would like to add that another aspect that is really affecting Social Accountability, good governance and Democracy... It is CULTURE.

Specially in Egypt, 3 years ago before the 25th of January revolution , we lived in such a bureaucratic and dictatorial system for a very long time, which made people lose their rights, even to think that they can hold any power holder accountable.

It was not in our culture to hold any officials or power holder accountable or have a participatory budgeting, simply because this person is a high end so people can’t talk to . Also, people/citizens always wanted the government to enhance their standard of living but never hold themselves accountable as well to the government. It was always a one way dialogue.

After Jan 25 revolution along with June 30 , things have changed to the better but we are still in a very critical phase where power holders and citizens try to work it out together. It will take some time, but both the government, CSOs, citizens need lots of training, advocacy and awareness about Social accountability to be able to work together without getting into conflicts. However, there are small initiatives that have started to educate children in schools regarding this issue but we still have a long way to go.

Regards,

Cynthia

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Dear Cynthia,

Thanks for adding to the discussion. Your thoughts reflect the change that has occurred in the over all system of Egypt from a bureaucratic and dictatorial system to accountable and participatory. Yet there is along way to go.

And we believe that aware citizenry can bring about this change.

Good going!

Thanks,

Bhavita and Shivani

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Dear Cynthia,

Thanks for shaing valuable thoughts on accountability issues in Egypt, which are more or less similar to Pakistan. I agree with your point that 'culture' plays key role in all facets of human life. You know in most of the poor and transition states, in particularly muslims states the culture of fatalism prevails. When people become inactive and complacent they just justify their inabilities with fatalism...as if they were destined to face the music of the mother nature. You know destiny is matter of choice, not chance. In past people in Egypt were silent and facing the problem, right now they are still facing the problem but with a cause; there sufferings are now purposefull and hopefully they will map out a new future for their next generations. People have learnt from their past miseries, you know wisdom comes through suffering and those who suffer they know the solution of their problems well. Egypt people have become a nation state in true sense and definitly they will craft their new future which is more transparent, just and accountable. I will send you one paper 'on culture and risk' to further enrich your studies about role of culture in risk management. Thanks.

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Dear Mohammad Ahsan Khan,

Your write up was good as well as interesting.We really need big understanding,inner strength and right attitude to rise above the present crisis.The right attitude is needed to get outside the box.Good governance is a dynamic concept for which constant dialogue is required between the government and society to create a responsive structure.Undoubtedly the journey is a long one.

Regards,

Soumendra Nath Ghosh

India

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Dear Soumendra Nath Ghosh,

Greetings from Pakistan. Many thanks for your inputs and appreciation. I have uploaded another article where I have quoted some examples from India. Please see those and correct me if I am wrong. I think people to people interaction and contextual examples of change are vitally important to learn and replicate the good one. Indian society is more organised and vocal in raising voice, wereas people in Pakistan take time to get organised and mobilised. However, whenever a good change movement is started in the neighbour, it becomes precedent for us to follow and launch an evidence based campaign. Have a nice and safe time. Good Bye.

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