Participatory governance as a mechanism for addressing inequality in Africa

MAVC Community of Practice

This seminar featured speakers from OXFAM, UNISA and Black Sash who made presentations on governance and inequality in Africa. The seminar included four sessions which focused on the following: The normative and non-normative policy dimensions around inequality issues, enhanced participatory dimensions of formulation and implementation of policies on inequality, sharpening policy responses of inequality in Africa and enhanced participatory dimensions relating to issues of governance.

Each session included a panel discussion and was followed up by an open discussion. Some of the key points raised were the importance of promoting participatory governance as a mechanism for addressing inequality in Africa. One of the panelists, Dr. Somadoda Fikeni said “Inequality is more of an economic factor and if you dig deep its also a political factor” therefore arguing the importance for collaborative efforts in combating poverty. The meeting called for collective efforts from government and civil society to work together in transforming the society to one that will break down the barriers of inequality and provide opportunities for all.

This seminar, on Wednesday 22nd April 2015, was an MAVC Community of Practice meeting, organised by Making All Voices Count in partnership with OXFAM and the University of South Africa (UNISA).