During my participation in a
program related with Active Citizenry in Copenhagen in April 2014, one of the
participants, Ms. Norah Owarga, MD of CPAR (Canadian Physicians for Aid and
Relief), Uganda shared a story. I was moved to find that there are similarities
in many places.
Half a century ago, in rural
areas of Uganda, a woman accused of losing her chastity or virginity faced dire
consequence. The local priest/mullah would rule that such should be thrown down
from a stiff cliff. Regular "justice" process held every few months
in the name of god and his wish purged such women.
This story was originally told by Professor Jessy Kwesiga who was Executive
Director of Development Network of Indigenous Voluntary Associations (DENIVA) in
Uganda while explaining the difference in role of Civil Society as Rights
holders and mere philanthropist or pure project implementers.
Going further on Professor
Jessy's story Ms. Norah added that few youths from the area decided to save
those poor girls. When the women were thrown down from the stiff cliff, the
youths would swim to the bottom of river and try to rescue them. They used to
save several lives at intervals of punishment, feed and shelter those saved and
few youths marry them as well. This noble work attracted attention of several
kind-hearted persons. Support and sympathy came pouring. When some funding
agencies got to know this unusual courage, they contacted this group and
requested that such a commendable achievement needs to be documented properly
so that more resource and support could be garnered and this project could motivate
others to emulate elsewhere. Some suburban intellectuals were so moved that
they were ready to join in the endeavors proposed by potential donors. Within
months, the ecstatic intellects and the youths championed a proposal of project
on rescue and rehabilitation. Their project was perfectly SMART (Specific,
Measurable, Achievable, Result-based and time bound). So, the project was
professional, transparent and potential.
Explained Ms. Norah that after
relating the story, Professor Jessy asked the audience whether the project was successful?
Yes, it was. It was successful for the
donors and recipients. But why the rescuers failed to raise voice against the
inhuman practice of throwing women down the cliff allegedly for losing their
chastity and why they could not question the justifiability of the practice? It
is quite possible that their staffs might have been busy counting the record,
overviewing logical frame-work, examining project objectives, assessing how
many rescue targets had been fulfilled or yet to be fulfilled? That was a
million dollar question.
When we see that Civil Society
actors are going deeper to the causes soliciting justice, asking for
progressive change advocating on ground of facts, they are severely attacked.
Till they are limited to philanthropic activities, everything is okay.
Authorities are happy that in advent of crisis, philanthropy will save their
face rarely giving a thought on constructing foundation which can prevent the
crisis. Most exponent deliberations are given on Rights Based Approach at
international forums. But when people as right holders start claiming for
meaningful participation in the socio-political development process, they are
termed as forces against peace. Eventually advocates for awareness and claim
are blamed as instigators and what not?
The day the rescuers begin to
identify the cause of crisis and advocate for prevention, they will also be
termed as groups involved in insulting the culture or authority. Likewise, the
moment Civil Society mentions people's wish, readiness and their meaningful
participation, the rulers begin to level charges of politicizing the issue as
if the Civil Society acts by manipulating politicians or that they need a veil
of political parties or syndicate to carry out their duty.
We know that about 1 to 5 per cent
of the total foreign funding goes to the NGOs. Most of NGOs do not try to go
for root cause of women being thrown from the cliff. Sector, nature, monitoring
and control of projects are put under state authority. Even efforts that are
purely voluntary are sullied as being the projects orchestrated by invisible
enemies and visible agents with ulterior motives. So, recipients of 5 per cent
of foreign funding are demonized and 95 per cent are glorified as genuine
nationalists.
In fact, rulers are seriously
terrified with the popularity of Civil Society. They have adopted psychology of
monopolist. They have the notion that none other than themselves or their
syndicates, which can be traders, contractors or bureaucrats among others, should
get the playing field. And they don't want to see that any other entity, be it
Civil Society or Citizenry is able to raise question and to lay condition of
support. Evolution of local strength enabling citizens to intervene in national
politics is viewed as the greatest enemy for politicians, especially the
national ones. Under a cover of the political band, there are readymade
syndicates including syndicate of business and other sectors usually tied with
foreign investment and profit- interest. Truth is power when that is exposed to
public. But we have seen media are rarely able to stand as audience's forum.
The challenges are clear: evolve
the power of people, uncover any seen and or unseen syndicate and expose the
business of invisible threats embraced by persons who think they are borne to
rule. Inception of new age has begun where digital media and internet users are
emerging as force to be reckoned. Familiarity with international laws and
development processes are other sources of awareness. New and emerging
generation, eager to learn facts about their culture, history and reason behind
domination are in take-off position for conscience. Days are not very far. Let’s
be prepared.
Writer is Human Rights Defender:
Read him: www. SubodhFreenep.blogspot.com
Reach him: Subodh.freenep@gmail.com
(Portable): 98510-26841.
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