NGO Participation Research Articles

Protecting Digital Assets: Government Initiatives and NGOs Participation

Digital assets are an indispensable part of human life and have taken shape as valuable assets in sentimental and monetary forms. Being valuable, these digital assets need to be protected with a specific security set-up including a trained army of technocrats, government machinery, NGOs and experts engaged in similar activities. This army of all stakeholders will help to protect the people and motivate them to protect their digital assets. The number and role of NGOs have grown dramatically in a welfare society and they have become a bridge between government and the common people. These NGOs are generally formed by like-minded persons and organisations such as government machinery, technocrats, private organisations, lawyers, academicians, techno-savvy people, police personnel and students to bring awareness to the common people on protecting digital assets. The present research article shows that in future, a new set of institutional linkage between state agencies and NGOs needs to be explored and researched into.

Management of marine tourism park based on Community Based Management (CBM)

This research was conducted in Kiluan Village, Kelumbayan District, Tanggamus Regency. This study examines the essence of managing marine park tourism by focusing on the surrounding environment (Community-based Management) in Kiluan Negeri, Tanggamus Regency. The research was conducted by descriptive analysis of qualitative approaches through direct studies (primary data) and existing data (secondary data). Kilian Negeri has beautiful and unique marine resources. Problems in Kiluan Bay are related to economic inequality, limited resources, environmental damage due to garbage, and the threat of natural disasters. The general public still needs to learn how involved they are in managing marine park tourism appropriately and sustainably. The active participation of NGOs, namely the NGO Cikal, plays an important role in managing the Kiluan Bay conservation area. Some Community-Based Management (CBM) strategies that can be done are preparing tourism development plans, developing infrastructure, managing tourist destinations, holding promotions and marketing, developing tourism products, conducting HR training, collaborating with the private sector, and developing integrated tourist areas. Community-based management (CBM) of marine park tourism is based on recognizing the importance of local communities in maintaining the sustainability of the marine environment and obtaining economic and social benefits from the tourism sector.

Changes in the Development of Future Educational Leaders’ Social Competencies

Social competence is one of the basic key competencies of educational leaders, where the research aimed at targeted facilitation is absent. Thus, the study aims to verify the changes in the development of social competence and coping self-efficacy of future educational leaders within two courses (one-term course at university vs. one-year course at an educational non-profit institution) (university students of teaching branches: NUMB = 13; AMage = 27.8; SDage = 7.4; 29.4% men vs. participants of the educational institution: NNGO = 14; AMage = 38.6; SDage = 7.8; 21% men). The Coping Self-Efficacy Scale, CSES) assessed the overall level of coping self-efficacy and its four factors, and the Inventory of Social Competence (ISK – K) assessed four social competencies. Results showed a significant increase of low practical significance over time (pretest vs. retest) in the level of social orientation (in ISK – K) and an increase of medium significance in overall self-efficacy and in the ability to use strategies focused on problems and unpleasant emotions and thoughts (in CSES) among university students. After completion of the course, NGO participants increased (with a low practical significance) their SK-K levels of offensiveness and self-control and their CSES self-efficacy and ability to use strategies focused on problems and unpleasant emotions and thoughts. There were no significant differences between overall levels in the two courses. The study offers possible implications of social competence facilitation in the context of educational leader formation at Slovak schools.

Non-governmental human rights organizations and protection of rights at the European Court of Human Rights

The article clarifies the role of non-governmental human rights organizations in the protection of rights at the European Court of Human Rights, as well as the forms of such protection. The practical aspects of the participation of human rights NGOs in the protection of rights at the ECHR are analyzed, and the dual nature of the participation of such organizations at the level of the human rights court is determined. First, the organization protects its rights as a legal entity. It not only defends its rights, but also provides a practical example for other similar organizations. That is, other organizations that may face similar violations in the future can protect their rights based on, among other things. on the decision of the ECtHR. Secondly, the organization indirectly protects other civil, social, and economic human rights. Regardless of whether the organization is the applicant or participates in the proceedings as a third party, it seeks changes in the socio-political events of the country with its own position adopted by the ECtHR. In the case of Romania, the organization pushed for the country to adopt appropriate legislation for same-sex couples, equating them in rights with traditional spouses; in climate affairs, organizations should encourage national governments to take additional measures to protect the life and health of the population, etc.
 It was concluded that the participation of human rights non-governmental organizations in the ECHR has both a theoretical and a practical aspect. The theoretical aspect is the possibility of organizations to participate in the proceedings as an applicant (protecting their own rights and not the rights of third parties) or a third party, while fulfilling the conditions regarding the admissibility of the application. The practical aspect is that organizations indirectly protect human rights by influencing the socio-political events and the development of democracy and the rule of law.

The Role, Challenges, and Countermeasures of NGO Participation in the Third Distribution

In the context of accelerated social transformation in China, the consensus on solving social problems through the participation of NGOs in the third distribution has become increasingly clear. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the challenges faced by NGOs when participating in the third allocation from a practical perspective, and summarize a set of practical ideas and countermeasures. This has important practical significance for further solving the issue of social equality and alleviating the gap between rich and poor. Based on the existing 12 papers on NGO and third distribution, this paper analyzes the theoretical role of NGO participation in third distribution, which can be divided into two elements: alleviating the shortage of public goods and low cost and high efficiency. From a practical perspective, examine the current situation of NGOs in the third distribution from the perspective of the "two major factors" mentioned above. It is found that there are still three major problems: the inefficiency caused by "voluntary failure", the imperfection of the charitable tax system, and the constraints of the dual management system. How to solve the above-mentioned "three major issues" has become the key to the efficient participation of NGOs in the third distribution.

LOCAL COMMUNITY FESTIVALS: URBAN AND RURAL FEATURES

The purpose of the article is to highlight the specifics of local festivals in different types of communities, distinguished by the indicator of “place of residence” capital, regional city, town and village, pointing out the common features and differences between them. For the realization of this goal, it is necessary to study such important features as: frequency of conduct, thematic focus, activities carried out during the festivals, the subjects that organize and conduct them, the participation of local authorities, institutions, NGOs, media and local people. The leading method in the study of festivals in the text is sociological and its choice is a consequence of the set goal. Object of study are local communities as a specific social construct and social group entity with characteristic social relations, functions, interactions, resources, values and identity. Local festivals are an important element of the lifestyle of local communities; depending on whether the latter are located and developed in an urban or rural environment, the peculiarities, similarities and differences between their festivals are determined. The article analyzes the results of a nationally representative empirical sociological survey conducted on the field in FebruaryMarch 2023 with 800 respondents throughout the country. It was realized within the project “Local Festivals: A Resource of Local Communities to Deal with Crises”. According to the empirical information received, festivals are more often organized and held in regional centers and cities than in Sofia and the villages. The analysis of the results shows that festivals in regional cities, towns and villages have a more diverse thematic focus and more varied activities are carried out during their conduct than in Sofia. The festivals in the regional centers in their thematic focus are closer to those organized in the towns and villages than to those in Sofia. Their main organizer in all types of local communities is the local government in the face of the municipality or the mayoralty. The chitalishte (literally “reading centers” are important cultural institutions in Bulgarian tradition and contemporary society) has a leading role in the organization of the festivals in the towns and villages, unlike the regional centers and Sofia, where their participation is unremarkable. A kind of “profiling” of the festivalization of contemporary lifestyle is formed according to the type of local communities whether they are in the capital, in the regional centers, in the towns or in the villages. Residents of smaller settlements, such as towns and villages, are more actively involved in the organization and holding of festivals than those from regional centers, and in Sofia their participation is the weakest. In these local communities, local institutions and residents manifest themselves as enterprising social actors, their festivals are really local in nature, organization and holding, they carry the spirit, values, traditions, energy, atmosphere and identity of local people.

Awareness of Sustainable Development Goals: Perception of Head Teachers of Secondary School

The member states of the United Nations agreed on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. These goals were established to address issues such as poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, sanitation, clean energy, economic development, infrastructure, inequalities, sustainability, responsible production, climate change mitigation, and the preservation of life on land. The agreement was reached unanimously by the member states of the United Nations. By the year 2030, the mission is to make it possible for every person on the planet to live in peace and prosperity. Regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the awareness of head teachers in secondary schools was investigated in a study. According to the findings, a sizeable percentage of secondary school head teachers know the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), however there was no discernible variation in levels of awareness based on geography, gender, or district. According to the study's findings, head teachers should consider participating in community engagement activities centered on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), such as awareness campaigns, workshops, and events involving the participation of local NGOs and the government.

Unmet Surgical Needs and Trust Deficit in Marginalized Communities in India: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Survey

IntroductionWe carried out a household study of surgical unmet needs and trust in the physician and perception of quality in the health system in a rural Tribal area and an urban slum in India. MethodsA community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out in a Tribal and in an urban slum in Gujarat, India. We surveyed 7914 people in 2066 households in urban slum and 5180 people of 1036 households in rural Tribal area. The Surgeons Overseas Assessment of Surgical need was used to identify surgical met and unmet needs. Two instruments for trust deficit ‘the Socio-culturally Competent Trust in Physician Scale for a Developing Country Setting’ and ‘Patient perceptions of quality’ were also administered to understand perception about healthcare. Frequencies and proportions (categorical variable) summarized utilization of surgical services and surgical needs. P < 0.05 was statistically significant. ResultsSlums and Tribal areas were significantly different in sociodemographic indicators. Unmet surgical needs in Tribal area were less than 5% versus 39% in the urban slum. Major need of surgery in Tribal area was for eye conditions in older population, while surgical conditions in extremities and abdomen were predominant in the urban area. Trust level was high for physicians in both areas. ConclusionsSurgical unmet needs were significantly lower in Tribal versus urban area, possibly due to high priority given by the Indian government to alleviate poverty, social deprivation and participation of NGOs. Our study will give impetus to study unmet surgical needs and formulation of health policies in India and low-and-middle- income countries.

Inclusión Digital y Acceso a Tecnologías de la Información en Zonas Rurales de Ecuador

The study analyzes digital inclusion and access to information technologies in rural areas of Ecuador, revealing important challenges and opportunities. The technological infrastructure in these areas is significantly limited, with only 27% of rural households having access to the Internet, compared to 67% in urban areas. The lack of adequate technological devices and insufficient network coverage exacerbate this situation. Digital skills training programs have shown mixed results, being most effective when they combine technical training with ongoing support. Public policies such as "Ecuador Digital" have improved connectivity, but face challenges in terms of reach and sustainability. NGO participation has been crucial in promoting digital literacy and access to devices. Economic and social barriers, such as lack of financial resources and cultural resistance, limit equitable access to ICTs. Mobile technology and successful initiatives are highlighted as potential solutions to improve digital inclusion. It is recommended to increase investment in infrastructure, promote public-private partnerships, develop customized training programs and establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of policies

Contested representations: A comparative analysis of palm oil sustainability in Malaysian and Dutch media

The emergence of palm oil as the world's most produced and consumed vegetable oil has prompted various policy initiatives to help govern the industry in a sustainable manner. These initiatives include transnational sustainable certification schemes, such as the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and national level sustainability standards, such as Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil. To date, attempts to find consensus on sustainable policy and processes has been characterised by tension and disagreement. Most notably, stakeholders participating in policy dialogue from producing countries are unsatisfied with the outcomes of transnational palm oil governance. Tension stems from observations that sustainability is understood differently in the palm oil producing countries of the Global South compared with Northern consumption markets. To understand the different framings of palm oil and potential governance solutions, we investigate media coverage of palm oil sustainability in two different countries: the Netherlands – the largest importer of palm oil in Europe – and Malaysia – the second largest exporter of palm oil in the world after Indonesia. From a sample of 397 Malaysian and Dutch newspaper articles between 2000 and 2015, we employ framing analysis to examine the similarities and differences in media representations of palm oil sustainability. Our findings reveal considerable differences in the way palm oil sustainability is framed in the two countries. Malaysian media frame palm oil as a sustainable industry yet underpinned by a distrust towards transnational sustainability governance (e.g. RSPO) and a perception of unfair treatment towards producing countries by the West. Conversely, Dutch media frame the West as proud consumers of palm oil, who are driving up sustainability standards through NGO scrutiny and participation in transnational processes. We argue that a comparative analysis of media frames offers instructive insights for understanding processes of transnational sustainability governance. In particular, we posit that reconciling policy tensions between North and South palm oil stakeholders could be achieved by highlighting the differences in sustainability framings at different points in the value chain to identify contestation and consensus.

From Peripheral Actors to Established Players: Environmental NGOs’ Participation Through Public Notice-And-Comment Procedures and Environmental Public Interest Litigation in China

ABSTRACT Despite the tightening control over civil society in China in the last decade, environmental NGOs’ participation in the regulatory process via legalized channels has increased. Drawing on participant observations, interviews, and court judgments, this article examines the recent dynamics of institutional participation of environmental NGOs through public notice-and-comment procedures and environmental public interest litigation (EPIL) in China. With stable opportunities for engagement, environmental NGOs have begun to turn themselves from peripheral actors into established players by helping identify and enforce violations, filling statutory gaps, and providing additional information and expertise in public notice-and-comment procedures and EPIL suits. While challenges remain, this article suggests that the practices of institutional public participation and changing citizen expectations hold great potential for promoting the pluralization of environmental regulation in authoritarian China.

Effects of COVID-19 on civil society voices in European energy and climate policy

Civil society plays an important role in European energy and climate policymaking. This paper poses the questions of how organized civil society handled the opportunities and challenges presented by the lockdown to its access to the climate and energy policymaking within the European Commission (EC)? How has the balance between organized civil society groups and businesses in Europe been affected by pandemic-related travel restrictions? Moreover, what role has the EC played in creating such opportunities and affecting the legitimacy of democratic policymaking? This research sheds light on the changing role of the EC in democratic governance and policy formation in the European Union (EU) by examining the relationship between funding received by CSOs active in the policy areas of environment and climate, the number of meetings attended, and the importance of coalitions and networks. This research revealed a possible relationship between level of participation in policymaking and the operational support received from the EC. Despite the resources invested, opportunities for interest representation in the energy and climate policy areas disproportionately favor businesses and organizations with long-term relationships with and proximity to Brussels. Increased number of virtual meetings only marginally increased share of participation of NGOs in these meetings. Thus, a physical presence in Brussels and resource investment remain important factors in access to the EU policymaking.

The Relationship between NGO Participation and Policy Implementation in China

China has not been left behind in terms of cooperation among non-governmental organizations within its national borders. NGOs have been defending the citizens' shared interests for quite a while now. Environment, gender equality, poverty, public health, and education, among others, are just but a few aspects that the Chinese Non-Governmental Organizations focus on. The Non-Governmental organizations in China assist the government in coming up with policies and enforcing them to ensure that the people's shared interests are safeguarded. Transactional collaboration in funding shared opinions, campaigns, and advocacy assists Chinese non-governmental organizations in offering their services and, in some instances, questioning the status quo.

Types, Tensions, and Driving Forces of NGO Participation in Community Governance—A Case of Yulin East Road Community in Chengdu

Types, Tensions, and Driving Forces of NGO Participation in Community Governance—A Case of Yulin East Road Community in Chengdu

Appraisal of Poverty Alleviation from A Legal Perspective for Sustainable Development Goals: A Review Article

Poverty is a problem that exists in every community. Situations are often getting worse to the point where they are dangerous. It leads to several horrible social evils that are wreaking havoc on societies. To address the problem, we may track regular legislation and the active participation of NGOs and other agencies, but the expected consequences remain a pipe dream. Its severity is permanently destroying generations and forcing individuals to commit crimes. The poverty pump is an overpowering phenomenon of aggressive communal response and failed institutional response. This review will look at the topic from a legal perspective to find flaws and suggest ways to improve things to protect society from the destructive effects of poverty. This study will look into flaws in the law and how it is applied. It will help close gaps by debating whether the law is good enough or needs to be changed. By taking a descriptive approach, it takes time for global policy changes to address or fix the problem adequately. After thoroughly examining issues, causes, and institutional responses to the curse of poverty, this multiple nature review's results will be beneficial as a reformative tool for social rehabilitation and establishing sustainable development goals.

Study on Productive Performances, Constraints, and Opportunities of Improved Chicken under Village Production System in West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to determine productive performances, constraints, and opportunities of Bovans Brown (BB), Sasso, and crossbred chickens under village production system in Gindeberet district of West Shewa, Ethiopia. A total of 139 randomly selected smallholder chicken producers were involved in the study from six purposefully selected peasant associations (PAs) from the district. Information was gathered on average egg production/year, age at the first egg laying, constraints, and opportunities of improved chicken production during the study. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24, and Z-test was employed to test the difference among agro-ecologies on a certain variable. The mean annual eggs produced by BB (189.34 ± 0.99 eggs/hen/year) and by Sasso (180.82 ± 0.9 eggs/hen/year) were higher than those of crossbred chicken (111.26 ± 0.77 eggs/hen/year). Moreover, a significant difference ( p &lt; 0.05 ) was observed for crossbred and exotic chickens' egg production performances between agro-ecological zones. The mean age at the first egg laying (182.28 ± 1.61 days) of crossbred chickens was higher than the mean age at the first egg laying (164.29 ± 0.41 days) of exotic chickens. Also, the mean age at the first egg laying of improved chicken breeds was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) between agro-ecological zones. Prevalence of disease, inadequate veterinary services, predators, and shortage of balanced concentrate mixture feeds were among the constraints hindering improved chicken production in the study area. However, high demand of chicken and chicken products, participation of NGOs in dissemination of improved chicken, presence of government policy, and availability of manpower were the major potentials encouraging chicken production in the study area. Therefore, practical poultry production training and extension should get primary emphasis to combat the existing constraints. Therefore, good poultry management practices should be promoted to improve chicken productivity in the study area.

Participation of environmental NGOs in (Austrian) criminal proceedings in the light of Art. 9 (3) Aarhus Convention

One of the three main pillars of the Aarhus Convention is access to justice for members of the public. Access to justice can not only be provided for in administrative proceedings but also via criminal proceedings in cases of environmental crime. Members of the public with an interest in environmental protection are especially environmental NGOs. In some European countries NGOs play an active role in criminal proceedings, however in many they are banished to the sidelines. This article describes the implications and requirements of Art. 9 (3) of the Aarhus Convention for access to justice via criminal proceedings, analyzes the existing ways for environmental NGOs to participate in Austrian criminal proceedings and presents ways in which criminal procedure law can be reformed to meet the requirements of the Aarhus Convention. The end goal is to make the prosecution of environmental crime as effective as possible.

Strategies to strengthen non-governmental organizations' participation in the Iranian health system.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) added a new dimension to intersectoral action for health. Involving the NGOs in health system strengthening could lead to a more efficient, equitable, and better-governed healthcare system. This qualitative study explored effective strategies for NGO participation in the Iranian health system to achieve broader health system goals. We conducted 33 semi-structured interviews with health policymakers and planners, NGO actors at the national and provincial levels, and other key informants. The qualitative data were analyzed through a thematic analysis approach. Trustworthiness in the study was observed at all stages of the study. Four main themes- were identified: empowerment for learning leadership and management skills, creating active participation in policy-making, capacity building for participation, clarifying participation process, falling into 17 sub-themes. Along with the government and health sector policymakers, NGOs may have a significant role in improving health system goals and increasing equity, social responsiveness, financial risk protection, and efficiency. The participation of NGOs in the Iranian health system is a complex process. All elements and dimensions of this process need to be considered when developing a platform for the appropriate participation of NGOs in the health system functions. Evidence-informed strategies for strengthening the participation of NGOs in the health system should be used to utilize NGOs potential to the fullest.

Partnership building? Government-led NGO participation in China’s grassroots waste governance

Faced with the challenges posed by enhancing the performance of national waste management policy, sub-national political authorities in China have engaged with the public and non-state actors, particularly NGOs. Across China’s multi-level administrative governance, different levels of government have consequently committed toward working with NGOs in waste management but the degree of actual participation remains questionable. Therefore, this study aims to assess participative relations between NGOs and neighborhood level governments as an indicator of this newfound national commitment to urban participatory governance. Analysis of three Chinese cities is conducted in order to uncover mechanisms for NGO participation in urban waste management. Each case study reveals different levels of participation: although central, provincial and city governments have displayed a welcoming attitude towards NGO engagement, local authorities have proven less open. Moreover, where NGOs are involved in waste governance, they exhibit some autonomy even while remaining under government control. Such findings can be explained by the motivations of local governments within participatory waste governance.

Understanding the Complexities of Sarawak Women’s Social Participation in Non-Governmental Organizations

Objective - The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the issues that prevent women from socially participating in NGOs. Methodology/Technique – Qualitative research using in-depth interviews was used to collect relevant data. The findings were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach and discussed within the theoretical framework of social participation. In response to the nature of women’s social participation in Sarawak, the researchers highlighted long, critical answers and discussions by 36 selected participants from various NGOs in Sarawak. Finding –There were four difficulties for Sarawak women’s social participation in NGOs identified in this study. The factors were practical deterrents, a psychological barrier, discrimination and prejudice, and lack of resources. The impeding factors which were grouped in these four categories comprised 16 factors. This study hoped to help the stakeholders develop different strategies for assisting women to be more aware and active in a civil-based society. Novelty –The study highlighted the complex factors of Sarawak women’s social participation in NGOs. These factors show different perspectives on the subject investigation in Sarawak, Malaysia. Furthermore, the adapted qualitative method conducted in this paper is further discussed regarding the complex factors of Sarawak women’s social participation in NGOs. There are many studies conducted exploring political participation. However, studies on social participation that focused on NGOs that are not politically based are very low. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: D71, D73, Z19. Keywords: Non-governmental organizations; Social Participation; complexities; Sarawak’s Women. Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Mahmud, N.B.M; Isnin, N.I; Junaidi, N.H.B; Mahrif, N.B. (2022). Understanding the Complexities of Sarawak Women’s Social Participation in Non-Governmental Organizations, GATR-Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review, 10(3), 114–120. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2022.10.3(1)