Benin Citizens’ Dialogue 2
Goals
A project
Supported by
In partnership with
Presentation
Over the past few years, an active and organised form of citizenship has emerged in Benin, as evidenced by the setting-up of Citizen Participation Cells (CPCs – i.e. groups of civil society organisations) in 76 municipalities, or, more recently, the launch of the Vote 229, web and mobile platform, which was created so that people could follow the 2016 presidential elections via a network of e-observers spread across the entire country.
From this perspective, it appears crucial to make media organisations more involved in mechanisms for the citizen-led control of public initiatives. These mechanisms actually have an important role to play when it comes to reporting, safeguarding and mediating issues of accountability.
The Benin Citizens' Dialogue 2 project follows on from the initiatives already carried out by CFI, in partnership with Social Watch and FeRCAB (Federation of Community and Assimilated Radio Stations of Benin), at ten media organisations (radio stations and bloggers) between 2016 and 2018. Its aim is to help them to improve dialogue between authorities and civil society, so that they play their part in promoting more active citizenship and encouraging greater civic engagement.
Project beneficiaries
- Around 40 people (journalists, editors-in-chief, programme heads, directors, promoters and administrative managers) from nine media organisations (eight community radio stations or commercial radio stations having a community-based approach);
- eight representatives from the Citizen Participation Cells present in the municipalities in which the radio stations are based;
- eight mayors of the municipalities in which the radio stations are based (or representatives);
- eight communication directors at the town halls.
- Elected women councilors.
Files to download
Actions
Consultation meetings between media organisations, civil society organisations (CSOs) and town halls, focusing on issues relating to the citizen-led control of public initiatives
Organisation of a launch and consultation seminar, and workshops for strengthening cooperation amongst these various players.
Training media organisations on how to deal with issues relating to accountability and the citizen-led control of public initiatives
Organisation of training courses for media organisations, focusing on the key concepts of citizenship, the editorial management of issues relating to the citizen-led control of public initiatives, the production of magazine shows for raising awareness of issues connected with citizenship and accountability (with CSOs), the production of radio shows for holding citizen consultations or debates, with a presence on the web and on social network sites, and so on.
Training radio stations on management
Organisation of training courses focusing on business management and marketing, team management, shared management and social campaigning, financial management and on-site coaching.
Managing a community radio station in Benin
Project gallery
