Why inclusion matters for tackling corruption

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As we look ahead to International Day of Democracy next week, we reflect on the importance of inclusive civic participation for tackling corruption and reaffirming transparency. As global democracy continues to decline and civic space shrinks, greater and more inclusive citizen participation in shaping the decisions that impact the day-to-day lives of communities, remains essential for ensuring transparency in the management and delivery of public services and holding power to account.

Corruption can undermine free and fair societies, and the impact is not always felt equally, with those most marginalised particularly vulnerable to corruption. This can result in barriers to accessing vital public services such as education and healthcare.

That’s why projects like Inclusive Service Delivery Africa (ISDA), which champion which grassroots and community driven solutions to combat corruption, are so important.

Through the ISDA project, Transparency International Zimbabwe has helped establish Women Empowerment Circles – spaces for women to gather and workshop solutions to corruption in public service delivery. In Mutare’s, Sakubva suburb, a group of women participating in empowerment circles and living with disabilities approached the Mutare Council to demand it move its mobile water supply services to more accessible areas. This interaction resulted in the water supply services being moved to places more easily accessible to women and those living with disabilities, as well as the council sharing its water delivery schedule so people could keep track of where and when deliveries would take place.

While through Transparency International’s Integrity Ambassadors initiative, young people in Zimbabwe are also holding power to account by organising through WhatsApp to share information about corruption in education. These digital organising efforts encourage others to speak out and ask questions and have even resulted in direct engagement with a Member of Parliament on educational aid allocation within the Silobela constituency.

Meanwhile in Ghana, social accountability and community participation are proving essential for improving public service delivery. Transparency International Ghana has established 12 Social Auditing Clubs (SACs) to empower grassroots governance and combat corruption locally. With a strong commitment to inclusion, each SAC ensures at least 40% female representation and includes a member living with a disability. These clubs actively monitor education and healthcare services, promote transparency and encourage citizen involvement in decision-making to bridge the gap between citizens and duty bearers.

These are just a few key examples of how social accountability and inclusive civic participation is essential for tackling corruption. When working to ensure accountability and transparency in the management and delivery of public services, we must build meaningful partnerships with grassroots movements and community leaders. This will help us create strategies that reflect real-world experiences, prioritise community knowledge and serve the needs and wants of those most at risk of corruption. Because the fight against corruption will only succeed when the voices of those most vulnerable to its impacts are heard and are centred as the leaders and drivers of change. – Press release