Inclusive Governance
Women, youth and other marginalized communities, including people with disabilities and other intersecting identities have long been denied access to civic and political decision making within communities, workplaces and societies. This lack of representation has not only denied solutions to their needs, it has also meant their expertise and perspectives have rarely shaped public decisions or policy making. Particularly, in Sri Lanka, women are woefully underrepresented in government and are less likely to occupy higher managerial positions or meaningfully influence decisions making in communities or workplaces. For example, though women account for over half of those employed in the tea sector, they rarely hold positions of authority within trade unions, community organizations or in managerial positions within companies.
Chrysalis prioritizes empowering women and youth to become effective leaders and influence decisions at all levels, from their homes and communities to the highest echelons of government and the private sector. To achieve this, Chrysalis focuses on equipping women and youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead effectively, fostering solidarity among diverse groups, and empowering them to challenge discriminatory structures and norms and actively participate in and influence public decision-making processes. Simultaneously, Chrysalis works to dismantle the systemic barriers and societal norms that hinder the full and equal participation of women and youth in leadership roles.
Based on CARE's Governance Programming Framework (Figure 2) Chrysalis promotes marginalized groups such as youth, women, ethnic minorities and persons with different abilities to the leadership positions of decision-making platforms at all levels.
Chrysalis will thereby,
Empower community governance bodies (e.g., Community Development Forums, Praja Mandalas) to effectively negotiate with duty-bearers. Strengthen their capacities to lead, plan, and advocate for community needs, ensuring gender-equitable and conflict-sensitive approaches.
Transform organizations and institutions to operate more responsively and accountably to all, while strengthening mechanisms to hold communities, local authorities, service providers, and political leaders accountable.
Facilitate policy and structural changes that empower women and youth in leadership roles and decision-making processes, while amplifying the collective voice and action of civil society, with a specific focus on women's leadership.
Promote community-led campaigns and national action to end gender-based violence that prevents women and marginalized groups from engaging in governance and civic action.
Build the capacity and confidence of marginalized citizens (especially women) to participate in public life through civic education and leadership development.
Facilitate inclusive relationships of trust and accountability between citizens and power holders to deliver equitable quality services and social justice.
Enhance enabling institutional environments by promoting inclusive social norms and building civic demand, institutional commitments, and capacities for change.
Promote the political participation of women at local and national levels and advocate for increased representation and leadership of women in decision-making forums.
