Non-governmental Research Articles

Formation of the System of Social Services to the Population

The current socio-economic, moral, psychological and spiritual situation in Kyrgyzstan is extremely contradictory and multifaceted. There is instability in the economy, a budget deficit is acutely felt, the number of people with incomes below the subsistence level is practically not decreasing, differentiation of the population by income is increasing, tension in the labor market is increasing, arrears in wages, pensions and social benefits are growing, trends of distress, including social deviations, are acutely evident. The current situation requires the state and non-governmental organizations, and public associations to take adequate measures, primarily in the area of developing the social protection system of the population and ensuring social security.

Leadership Empathy and Employee Retention in Health Sector NGOs in Kenya

Employee turnover undermines the achievement of organizational goals. Retaining talented employees is a significant challenge for many health sector non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and it threatens their sustainability. Previous studies have been conducted to determine the causes of employee turnover in Kenya; however, there is inadequate empirical evidence regarding the correlation between emotional intelligence competencies and employee retention. This study aimed to determine the impact of leadership empathy on employee retention in health sector NGOs in Kenya. The study was conducted based on Bar-On’s Emotional Intelligence Competencies Model. Positivism was the philosophical foundation of this descriptive design study. The analysis unit included 30 health sector NGOs in Kenya, while the observation unit included 1,500 management-level employees. The Yamane formula was used to determine the study sample size, which consisted of 316 respondents. A stratified random sampling technique was implemented to determine the sample. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the study data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (version 26) was used for data analysis, where descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. The findings are presented in tables and figures and prose form. We found a positive influence, indicating that increased empathy enhanced employee retention. Therefore, we concluded that leadership empathy is positively and significantly correlated with employee retention in health sector NGOs in Kenya. Managers and supervisors in health sector NGOs should receive training and development programs to enhance their empathy skills. Additionally, health sector NGOs should provide workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions that emphasize developing leadership empathy skills through active listening, perspective-taking, and genuine concern for others

THE ETHICS OF CIVIL SOCIETY WORK IS A BASIC PILLAR FOR ACHIEVING COMMUNITY SECURITY

Objective: This study aims to highlight one of the main roles of civil society within the legal entity of the state, in light of the participatory approach carried by the constitutional amendment in Algeria for the year 2020, through participation in the moralization of public life and contributing to achieving community security. Methods: The nature of the study required the use of different approaches. In its theoretical aspect, the descriptive approach was used to explain the participatory approach introduced by the Algerian constitutional amendment of 2020, while the tools of the analytical approach were used to discuss and analyze some parts of the study related to the ways and obstacles to employing the participatory approach on the ground, and the challenges that await it in order to achieve the desired community security. Results and discussion: In light of the challenges facing societies today, especially in light of technological developments and the accompanying fifth-generation wars at this particular time, which have made the idea a destructive weapon for the social fabric and an imminent threat to societal security within countries; for this reason, this study presents solutions to enhance the participatory approach decided upon from the technical and practical side, especially with regard to proposals for specialized training, and reorganizing the house of civil society organizations, before determining executive powers regulated by laws related to their activity. Conclusion: The participatory approach introduced by the 2020 constitutional amendment included important gains that we appreciate, but it faces practical obstacles due to its shortcomings and lack of activation mechanisms; this is what this study presents in the results reached, especially those related to rehabilitating the human cadre supervising civil society, and entrusting it with sufficient powers and guarantees capable of providing added value within the framework of achieving the desired community security, regulated by new legal frameworks that we propose within the framework of (the Associations Law - the Local Authorities Law...), parts of which the study proposes to amend.

Community Participation in Flood Management Systems in Aceh Utara Regency

Flooding remains a persistent challenge in Aceh Utara Regency, representing a complex, cross-sectoral issue. If not addressed through collaboration among various stakeholders, including community groups, it has the potential to lead to new societal problems. This research seeks to assess the effectiveness and impact of using a participatory model in flood management efforts in the region. A qualitative approach was employed, gathering data through in-depth interviews with stakeholders such as local communities, government authorities, and non-governmental organizations involved in flood mitigation programs. The findings emphasize the urgency of adopting a participatory model to enhance the effectiveness of flood management systems. Actively engaging the community in planning, execution, and evaluation processes leads to a deeper understanding of local conditions, needs, and suitable solutions. Key aspects of the participatory model include raising public awareness of flood risks and mitigation measures, improving flood management infrastructure based on community input, creating more accessible and effective evacuation plans, and strengthening the community’s capacity for emergency response and simple mitigation efforts. In conclusion, this study aims to further explore the relevance and effectiveness of the participatory model in flood management in Aceh Utara Regency, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region's disaster management system.

Reshaping disaster management: An integrated community‐led approach

AbstractThe management of disasters has traditionally involved public, private, and nongovernmental organisations working together. While scholars have examined the value of collaborations among these entities, less is known about how to successfully engage and empower communities in disaster management. Based on network governance theory, this article contributes to the growing body of public management literature on community engagement by presenting findings from an Australian research initiative conducted after the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires in New South Wales. Through workshops and semi‐structured interviews with a total of 58 members from local communities and emergency agencies, this paper identifies differing perspectives on power distribution among stakeholders, indicating complexities in achieving an integrated and community‐led disaster management approach. The findings underscore the need to shift from exclusively centralised to more inclusive systems, recognising the unique contributions of nonofficial community‐based groups. To address this, the study suggests: a funded community consultation committee, ensuring government and local community representation; collaborative debriefing sessions, leveraging technology for knowledge capture; and the adoption of different leadership styles able to identify, include, and integrate communities as both steerers and rowers within established hierarchical arrangements.Points for practitioners The current centralised emergency management system, which relies on recognised experts and state‐controlled facilities, limits the integration of nonofficial resources and community‐based knowledge. A shift towards a more community‐centric and integrated approach (collaborative polycentric governance) is needed to enhance disaster resilience and response in Australia. Different stages of disaster reduction could and should have different leadership styles: a transformational, collaborative community‐based style should be implemented before and after the disaster, while a transactional leadership style, more focused on restructuring the system or how it is applied, should be adopted during the disaster.

Providing Cataract Surgeries at a Rural Primary Health Centre through Non-governmental Organisation Collaboration: An 8-year Experience

Abstract The National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment aims to reduce blindness and visual impairment in India. Despite these efforts, rural areas still have high numbers of cataract patients due to inadequate healthcare services. Leveraging non-governmental organisation (NGO) networks to provide rural eye care camps has been proposed to address these challenges. This article shares an 8-year collaboration with an NGO in rural Haryana, delivering cataract surgeries. Initially, surgeries were conducted in temporary locations; however, due to complications, they were shifted to hospitals, increasing travel difficulties. In 2016, collaboration with ICARE Eye Hospital began, involving screening camps and transporting patients for surgery. This reduced patient expenses and referral burdens, performing 1690 surgeries with high satisfaction. Authors recommend similar collaborations to achieve the national blindness reduction goal.

Distribution of Sheep Fattening Practices and Marketing Systems in the Sagnarigu Municipality in Northern Ghana

The study was conducted in the Sagnarigu Municipality in Northern Ghana to assess sheep fattening practices and marketing systems. Eighty respondents were selected and questionnaires administrated to them. Data was summarized and analysed using SPSS version 20. Majority of the fatteners were within the ages 21-30 years. Sheep fatteners were not equally distributed across the different age groups. Most of the farmers had at least primary education while majority (30.0%) of them had tertiary education. The sheep fattening enterprise in the area was male and Muslim dominant activity. Majority of respondents were engaged in specialized skill work as their main occupation with self-financing as the main source of income for the sheep fattening business. Majority had at most 5 years fattening experience. Semi-intensive system of management was mainly practiced. Farmers use wide range of feed stuff alternatively and supplied from multiple sources. Mature animals (≥ 6 months) sourced from farmers’ own flock were mostly used in fattening. Generating cash was the primary motivation for fattening sheep, with a convenient market for the fattened sheep. Customers of fattened sheep were mainly butchers. mostly at local markets (50%). Price determination for the fattened sheep was bargaining. The major constraints of sheep fatteners were diseases and mortality and lack of capital/financial. It was concluded that sheep fattening practices and marketing system was a business in the Sagnarigu municipality, nevertheless, it was not well organized and developed. To create a lucrative sheep fattening industry, government and non-governmental organizations should promote sheep fattening by providing financial and training support for the fatteners and the teaming youth in Ghana to venture into the business. This could contribute to enhancing livelihood of rural resource poor farmers, unemployment and poverty reduction as well as women empowerment in the country.

PENGEMBANGAN UMKM MELALUI SOSIALISASI BRANDING DAN PEMBUATAN SURAT IZIN USAHA PERDAGANGAN (SIUP) DI DESA JAYAMULYA

MSME branding is very important when starting a business, so that it can increase sales and attract consumers by branding MSMEs by giving a meaningful logo, creating social media, creating a website for MSMEs so that they can be recognized by the public. Non-governmental organizations are a reflection of the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education, especially in carrying out the point, namely community service. MSMEs activities obtain a trade business license. The benefit is to know in accordance with the original laws and regulations. In carrying out training in making trade business licenses. The way to implement community service is by conducting socialization to the community and direct training by delivering material containing training on trade business licenses for MSMEs. Community service activities in Jayamulya village, can provide education or understanding of the importance of business licenses, making it a real proof of selling entrepreneurship for the people of Jayamulya village. Another benefit of this socialization is that sellers have business licenses, brands and products sold with logo colors can be recognized by the public, so that they can maximize sales and display these products.

Populism and the Erosion of Democratic Checks and Balances: A Systematic Literature Review across Regions

Populism has emerged as a significant challenge to democratic governance worldwide, as populist leaders seek to undermine checks and balances and consolidate power. This systematic literature review analyzes how populist movements weaken democratic institutions across different regions, focusing on the erosion of judicial independence, legislative oversight, media freedom, and human rights. This study examines case studies from Hungary, Turkey, Brazil, and the United States, revealing how populist leaders centralize authority, manipulate legal frameworks, and exploit societal grievances to sideline democratic norms. Populist rhetoric often frames democratic institutions as elitist and detached from the interests of the "true people," justifying actions that concentrate executive power and limit accountability. This impact extends beyond national borders and affects international law and global governance. In response, civil society, independent judiciaries, the media, academia, and international organizations play crucial roles in defending democratic values and building resilience against populist encroachment. Strategies such as enhancing legal protection, promoting civic education, strengthening oversight bodies, and reforming electoral systems are essential for countering populist threats. This study highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to address the root causes of populism's appeal and protect democratic institutions. Further research should explore how populists exploit digital media and the effectiveness of resistance strategies and conduct comparative analyses across regions to develop robust defenses against the erosion of democracy.

Impact of leadership skills on the success of large and medium construction projects management in Yemen

Large and medium construction projects in Yemen often face budget and timeline overruns. While technical aspects are heavily focused on, the importance of leadership skills in project teams is often overlooked. This study aims to identify the impact of leadership skills on the success of these projects. A questionnaire was distributed to engineers working in both governmental and non-governmental institutions and organizations, with projects costing above $100,000. Out of the 385 questionnaires distributed, 340 responses were collected, and 246 valid responses were used for analysis. The findings indicate a strong correlation between leadership skills and project success, highlighting the significant role of effective leadership in guiding construction projects. Specific skills such as team management, problem-solving, prioritization, planning, decision making, conflict management, communication, and fostering team spirit are crucial in Yemen’s construction sector. Recommendations include the development of leadership skills programs, emphasis on collaborative team management, integration of experiential learning in education, continuous professional development, and research initiatives. These insights aim to enhance the resilience and success of construction projects in Yemen and provide valuable guidance to project managers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the sector.

Unveiling Misconceptions among Small-Scale Farmers Regarding Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Balochistan, Pakistan

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose potential health threats to small-scale farmers of grazing animals in the upper highlands of Balochistan, Pakistan. This study was conducted based on a questionnaire survey involving 153 farmers of grazing animals in seven districts to access their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ticks and TBDs. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, based on Fisher’s test, were used to assess risk factors for determining preventive measures. The findings revealed a low level of knowledge among the participants. For instance, there was a lack of awareness of the effects of climate change and the economic impact of ticks on animal health. The essential precautions, such as the non-indiscriminate use of acaricides, wearing dark-colored clothing, and limiting children’s interaction with grazing animals, were often overlooked. However, the farmers had a positive attitude towards tick control, but they mostly relied on the knowledge of local communities. The neglect of such measures places these farmers and their children at risk of contracting TBDs. This study also indicates minimal involvement from the government in educating farmers and controlling ticks. The role of stakeholders, including the government, non-governmental organizations, veterinary doctors, and local farmer communities, is crucial to address these issues and to implement effective training programs that address misconceptions about ticks and TBDs. Overall, this study highlights the importance of implementing awareness and education programs to address the misconceptions about ticks and TBDs among farmers.

Damage to the natural environment as a crime against humanity: prospects for changes to Art. 7 of the Statute of the International Criminal Court

The article examines trends in revising the concept of crimes against humanity by adding signs of actions that include damage to the natural environment. It is established that the possibility of expanding the concept of crimes against humanity to include damage to the natural environment is based on criticism of the provisions of the Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of June 8, 1977 and the Statute of the International Criminal Court on damage to the natural environment only in the context of armed conflicts, and also about the signs of such damage as widespread, long-term and severe, which made it practically impossible to implement the norms of the mentioned acts. On such grounds, the position is substantiated that crimes against humanity that encroach on the natural environment should include environmental degradation, exploitation of natural resources, and other actions that lead to pollution or destruction of the environment or climate change. The processes of developing provisions on harming the natural environment as a crime against humanity, which are related to the policy of states or other government institutions, aimed at the exploitation of natural resources and the forced resettlement of the civilian population, are being studied. It is noted that the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is studying the possibility of revising the elements of crimes covered by the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and including directly those related to environmental damage. Proposals which are sent to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court are subject to registration in a single Policy Paper. The proposals of certain scientific andinternational non-governmental organizations regarding amendments to the Statute of the International Criminal Court are summarized, which include the introduction of the concept of crimes against humanity as a sign of an attack on the environment or its individual elements; addition to Art. 7 of the Statute of the International Criminal Court by the provisions on the commission of actions specified in items «a», «b», «d», «k» by committing damage to the natural environment, etc.

Transhumanism, managerism and the special military operation in Ukraine

The article analyzes two ideologies that are the most important for the modern Transhumanism and managerialism as two ideologies most significant for the modern Western world have been analyzed. The study of these issues was carried out in the context of identifying the relationship between the Western elites’ support for Ukraine and the transformation processes that are taking place in the European Union and North America. The purpose of the study is to determine what social changes in the West lead to forming barriers to the peaceful resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The work applied general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as the comparative method of scientific cognition. Document analysis was used as an applied method of collecting empirical information (the study of information portals, state authorities’ and non-governmental organizations’ websites). As the study result, the following conclusions have been made. The transhumanism ideology in the countries of the European Union and North America is focused on creating a “society of the chosen”. The transhumanism and managerialism application leads to a significant increase in society manageability by accelerating traditional social ties disintegration. Western society transformation increases its vulnerability due to incomplete change of social values and internal resistance to transhumanism and managerialism. The special military operation on the territory of Ukraine is used to strengthen integration processes in the West.

Socialism, Democracy, Bureaucracy, and Umbrella Organizations

Abstract Among the dilemmas faced by labor, socialist, and other movements of the subaltern classes striving to change society over the past two centuries, three are discussed here: forms of ownership, bureaucracy and “big tent” formulas for both unity of the working class broadly defined, and alliances with movements of independent owners or undefined class status. Examples are drawn from various countries (France, Italy, Britain, the USA, Brazil, Korea) and from international programmatic discussions. Socialists, notably Marxists, shared the radical republican goal of a true democracy of equals, but differed on the extent of collective ownership (state, local, cooperative) needed in the economy, and the definition of privately owned personal goods that insured an individual’s dignity and independence. The rise and contraction of capitalist states with social services (“welfare states”) complicated the issue. Such movements also accumulated experiences with the growth of experts and/or bureaucrats, and the means to limit their privileges and transformation into a caste-type elite. Three environments which generate such phenomena are identified: social-democratic and big labor, post-capitalist states and, more recently, nongovernmental organizations. Finally, the author discusses alliances with broader social forces which include working-class and non-working-class interests, and the management of cross-class ideologies such as certain varieties of nationalism, feminism, environmentalism, and anti-tax movements.

Panorama dos principais estudos clínicos sobre medicamentos contra tuberculose no Brasil e no mundo

Introduction: This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuberculosis (TB) drug clinical trials conducted in Brazil and globally. TB is highlighted as one of the leading lethal infectious diseases, facing the growing challenge of drug resistance. Objective: The study aims to map recent advances and identify gaps and challenges in the search for effective treatments for TB, emphasizing Brazil’s contribution, which is known for its research in tropical diseases. Method: An analysis of clinical trials related to TB was conducted, focusing on the geographical diversity of the studies and the intersectoral collaboration between governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The survey covered research at both national and international levels. Results: The results indicate a significant increase in the number of clinical trials, reflecting a growing interest and investment in research and development (R&D) aimed at combating TB. Regions with high disease incidence have received special attention. Collaboration between different sectors has been crucial in promoting progress. Conclusions: Despite the advances, the study underscores important challenges, such as the need for more R&D investments and the urgency of public policies to facilitate access to new drugs. The article highlights the importance of continuous and collaborative efforts in developing safe and accessible treatments, as well as the effective integration of innovations into the healthcare system, with special attention to vulnerable populations.

Green financing and sustainability reporting among SMEs: The role of pro-environmental behavior and digitization

Despite the iconic contribution of SMEs to national and international development, it is widely recognized that they could threaten the circular economy due to their inadequate resources. In light of this, the paper put forward the resource-based view theory in order to comprehend the motivations behind SMEs' engagement in environmentally-friendly activities and, consequently, to get to the bottom of their sustainability disclosure. To this end, the study examined the effect of green financing on sustainability reporting phenomenon. Secondly, the mediation effect of pro-environmental behavior in the relationship between green financing and sustainability reporting was assessed. Finally, the research determined the moderation effect of digitization in the relationship between pro-environmental behavior and sustainability reporting. Data from 352 SMEs from Ghana were collected between May and June 2024, by employing the structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling, performed with Amos (v.23). The study found the effect of green financing on sustainability reporting to be positive and significant. Pro-environmental behavior was revealed to partially mediate the relationship between green financing and sustainability reporting. The relationship between pro-environmental behavior and sustainability reporting was also found to be positively moderated by digitization. The study's findings facilitate the integration of digitization in SMEs' operations, and could be used to foster the promotion of green financing policies among SMEs, governments, and non-governmental agencies. The outcomes of the study aim at guiding and stimulating further studies on the promising relationship between digitization and sustainability reporting in the context of SMEs in emerging economies. Future studies are encouraged to investigate how business activities are influenced by specific green financing policies such as green bond since the present research considered the general perspective of green financing.

Advancing emigrants' rights in India: strategies of civil society in spaces for engagement

ABSTRACT This article explores Indian civil society's efforts to promote the rights of migrant Indian labourers working abroad in low-wage employment as a response to weakly institutionalized rights frameworks in the global and India's national governance of labour migration. Existing scholarship has explored civil societies' advocacy in multi-national fora, at regional levels, and as forms of transnationally organized networks, but only marginally at the analytical level of migrant-origin states. The article examines their multi-level and multi-stakeholder strategies through the analytical lens of spaces for engagement. Drawing on original qualitative data, this article shows that civil society organizations play a leading role in (e)migration governance in India and are key to understanding the politics of migration of the world’s largest migrant-origin state. In particular, the local and subnational levels are important entry points to advance their agendas in the context of migrant-origin states.

Cultural Practices and Human Rights: The Non-reporting of Rape Cases in the Lupane Rural District of Zimbabwe

While the non-reporting of rape is problematic internationally, it is particularly worrisome in the Lupane rural district of Zimbabwe. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the reasons behind non-reporting. Data was collected using narrative unstructured interviews with 44 purposively selected participants, consisting of 30 villagers and their 14 village heads. Three non-government organisations (NGO) registered as service organisations for the district formed part of the sample. The leave to interview Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) personnel was sought, and the Commissioner-General of ZRP declined to provide gatekeeper permission. Thematic data analysis identified key themes and their relationships and meanings. New conversations are recommended for village communities to initiate culturally sensitive awareness and improve the reporting of rape.

Backlash or victims? ‘Victimised Korean husbands’ of migrant wives and problematic norms on sexual relations in South Korea

Violence against marriage migrants became a critical social issue in South Korea in the late 2000s, and the government instituted various measures in response, partially adopting civil society organisations’ demands to protect migrant women. However, men’s rights groups also mobilised shortly after to advocate for the rights of citizen-husbands under the slogan of ‘male victims of international marriages’. Their campaigns targeted both the unscrupulous commercial matchmakers and their deceitful migrant wives. This article situates the victimised men discourse as a backlash against violence against women campaigns to reverse policy gains in the protection of women’s rights. The article argues that government policies have legitimised such discourse and used flawed ‘data’ to justify their policies. This article uses as data complaints submitted to the Korea Consumer Agency, a government regulator for consumer disputes, about international marriages and focuses on their mentioning of sexual relations, intimacy and sexuality. By doing so, this article demonstrates that men’s rights as consumers of marriage brokerage services are behind their claims of victimhood, and the victimhood discourse undermines the safety and human rights of migrant women. Moreover, a close look at the database about ‘male victimhood’ reveals severe human rights violations against migrant women.

Civil society alliance building in Hong Kong: The case of preservation movements

AbstractVery little research has focused on types of cooperation between different civil society organizations at the domestic level. This article fills this gap by developing the distinction between organization‐based and society‐based cooperation. Examining Hong Kong's unique political system, the paper highlights both types. The Save Our Country Park Alliance (SOCP) exemplifies organization‐centric collaboration, requiring consensus among diverse NGOs, which can hinder decision‐making. Conversely, the Save Lantau Alliance (SLA) demonstrates society‐centric cooperation with flexible, quick mobilization through core active member organizations and collaboration with pro‐democratic groups. Despite the 2020 National Security Law forcing many liberal organizations to disband, the SLA persists in its efforts to preserve Lantau, though it faces increased challenges in an environment hostile to society‐based activism. This distinction enhances our understanding of civil society alliances in varying political contexts.