Tawanmandi – A trust fund to strengthen Civil Society in Afghanistan

Project completed

Civil Society in Afghanistan becomes increasingly stronger and aware of its role to advocate for rights and good governance. However, it remains still weak, has low capacity and little recognition for this role and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) lack coordination in their programmes and activities. The Tawanmandi (lit. empowering) Trust Fund is a means to address these shortcomings through channelling funds in a coordinated manner while simultaneously providing capacity development and promoting dialogue between civil society and government.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Afghanistan
Governance
Human rights
Conflict & fragility
Conflict prevention and transformation
Decentralisation
Human rights (incl. Women's rights)
Conflict prevention
01.10.2012 - 30.09.2016
CHF 4'400'000
Background

Civil Society Organisations set off activities that promote political participation and worke towards the engagement of the Afghan population in the social and economic affairs of the country. However, these activities remain weak and uncoordinated as the support from the international community is being provided in a highly fragmented manner and the support from the government is insufficient. In order to fulfil its role as a strong counterpart to the government, the civil society needs increased capacity, an acknowledged platform to advocate on behalf of the citizens and better coordinated technical and financial support.

Objectives

The project contributes to improved governance in Afghanistan through greater accountability and responsiveness to citizens from the government side and increased capacity from the civil society side.

Target groups

Civil Society Organisations, Government as the duty bearers, and the donor community

Medium-term outcomes

An inclusive civil society that is better able to engage effectively on human rights, access to justice, anticorruption, peace building and conflict resolution, and media

Results

Results from previous phases:  

  • The SDC contribution will be earmarked for the thematic sector of human rights
  • A CSO not getting project fund from Tawanmandi will be mandated on provincial level for accountability checks (project will be proposed at a later stage upon thorough scrutiny)

  • Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
    Credit area Development cooperation
    Project partners Contract partner
    Other International Organization
    • Other OI
    • UK Department for International Development (DFID)


    Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF   4'400'000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF   4'370'000
    Project phases

    Phase 1 01.10.2012 - 30.09.2016   (Completed)