Community Governance & Human rights

Community Governance has increasingly gained popularity in the recent development paradigm. It is the community level management and decision-making that is undertaken by, with, or on behalf of a community, by a group of community stakeholders. The focus on ‘community’ rather than organization, local government or the public sector is the distinguishing feature of community governance vis a vis the other forms of governance. However, for community governance to be effective, it must be about more than process, it also must be about getting things done in the community. And what gets done must make a difference with results measured.

Community governance shall be guided by the GEM approach as explained below:

G – Democratic governance: Where leadership and decision-making by elected community leaders including Councillors, is based on a sound appreciation of community issues and needs and a commitment to effective community engagement in their own affairs.

E– Civic engagement: Where councils employ effective techniques to enable active citizens to influence the formulation and implementation of public policies that affect their daily lives.

M– Organization management: Where public value management policies and practices are embedded in the workplace culture, acknowledge citizen participation rights and ensure that the outcomes of community engagement inform decision-making. This approach is preferred because consultation and engagement starts with exploring existing community needs.