Participation of ordinary citizens in decision-making processes is low in Indonesia, in particular women’s voices that remain largely absent from public forums. The “Our Voice” project, which used innovative SMS-polling technology to empower women to participate in local
decision-making, broke down traditional barriers for women’s participation in decision-making, and brought tangible changes in the work of village authorities.
Developed in partnership with the Women and Youth Development Institute of Indonesia, the concept won the top prize at the Grand Challenge for Development, competing against over 240 proposals. Buoyed by its success, the pilot project was internalised and institutionalised by local village authorities to continue its use.
Indonesia
October 2015 – June 2016
Focus: Citizen Engagement; Online Consultation
Funder: Making All Voices Count
