Social Accountability and Empowered Citizens
Oxfam’s good governance programme is focused on ensuring that all citizens, in particular those who are marginalised in society, such as ethnic minorities and poor men and women, have increased access to information and feel confident about raising their voices. We work to ensure that citizens have greater opportunities to influence decisions that shape their lives and are able to hold the government accountable.
What we want to achieve
Our Social Accountability and Empowered Citizens goal seeks for:
- People (especially women, young people, workers) have voice and agency to influence decisions that affect their lives
- Inclusive decision-making process that enables voice of the grassroots inclusion in the national, regional and global decision making levels.
- State and private financing for development is more transparent, inclusive, sustainable and equitable with.
- Accountable government and private sector
How we achieve it
Together with our partners, we conduct research on governance issues and use this knowledge to develop evidence-based policy recommendations. We help to develop multi-stakeholder coalitions and informal networks on issues of public concern in order to influence public debates, advocate with the government, and monitor policy implementation. We also promote linkages among local, regional and global governance networks, convening and brokering a wide range of actors to work collaboratively and influence laws, policies and budgets.
Our projects
Our ongoing projects include:
- Strengthening Access of Ethnic Minorities in the Use and Management of Land and Forest (2020-2023)
- Fair for All (2021-2025)
- Fair Finance Vietnam (2018-2022)
- Justice Initiatives Facilitation Fund of the EU Justice and Legal Empowerment Programme in Vietnam (2017-2022)
- Decent Work and Social Protection (2017-2022)
Publications
[Report] Towards Sustainable Finance
Towards Sustainable Tax Policies In The ASEAN Region: The Case Of Corporate Tax Incentives
Overview of the social insurance system in Vietnam
Evaluating the Implementation of the Access to Information Law
The Consequences of Low Wages - a Study on Fashion Suppliers in Vietnam
Stories
Tho and Ne pictured at their house in Lac Son, Hoa Binh | Photo courtesy of RIC
Legal Access Changing Lives, One Household at a Time
Ne, married at 16 and enduring over a decade of abuse, represents the struggles the "Effective cooperation for the rights of legal aid & legal consultancy of the poorest ethnic minority community" initiative addresses. Led by RIC, the initiative enhances legal access, involving government departments and community groups, training members to tackle domestic violence and legal issues, improving lives and legal awareness in Hoa Binh.
Teacher Nguyen Hong Son voluntarily donated 16m2 of his land to building new roads in the community.
The teacher who traveled 2,000 km to get his Red Book
Despite efforts to reform administrative procedures, challenges persist. Teacher Nguyen Hong Son from Ta Rut commune, Quang Tri, spent over 18 months and 2,000 km in travel to obtain his land use right certificate. Frustrated by delays, he reported his case to the M-Score hotline and Quang Tri PPC, which eventually resolved the issue, granting him his certificate in November 2019.
Patients at Dak’rong District Hospital, Quang Tri were taken care of in M-Score initiative
“Patient-centered model” - M-Score has touched the patients’ heart
Nearly two years ago, a discharged patient praised the hospital's follow-up satisfaction call. The call was part of the M-Score initiative, enhancing patient-doctor connections since March 2017. Despite initial challenges, the project collected valuable feedback, leading to improvements in administrative procedures, staff attitude, and facilities for professional patient care.
Mr Nguyen Dang Anh, vice chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee, Quang Tri provincial People’s Council
What will remain after closing the BTAP project?
Mr. Nguyen Dang Anh, vice chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee, Quang Tri, affirmed the success of a three-year EU and Finland-funded project. It ensured transparency, accountability, and participation in state budget management, transforming local leaders' perceptions and practices. Anh committed to integrating these elements into all monitoring activities, acknowledging the project’s impact on efficient policy-making and budget spending.
Ms. Xien, a community member of the innitiative
Xien's Impact on Khi Hamlet: Building Trust, Changing Lives
Ms. Xien's story is one of transformation and commitment in Khi hamlet, An Nghia commune. Starting in 2019, she methodically engaged families on economic and health issues before addressing sensitive topics. Her dedication fostered community connection, sustainable development, and advocacy against domestic violence and child marriage, making her a pivotal and respected figure in her village.
Chị Vườn và các thành viên nhóm cộng đồng truyền thông pháp luật, huyện Lạc Sơn, tỉnh Hoà Bình
Hard and rough hands
Five women in Trang Doi Hamlet, Yen Phu commune, balance fieldwork with active participation in a community project. They effectively mobilize families, turning forums into memorable, engaging events. Their dedication fosters unity, spreads essential knowledge, and brings positive changes, inspiring villagers with their enthusiasm and spirit.