Short Abstract:

Crises expose weaknesses, demanding strong capabilities & commitment for effective response. VSO prioritizes marginalized groups, empowering them through the Volunteering for Development (VfD) approach.' Case studies in Philippines, Zimbabwe, & Tanzania demonstrate collective action's impact on wellbeing & rights realization.

Long Abstract:

The relationship between crises, capabilities, and commitment has been a topic of study for many years. There is evidence to suggest that these three factors have a significant impact on each other in various contexts. Here are some key findings from research on this topic: 1. Crises can reveal weaknesses in individuals, organizations, or societies' capabilities. When faced with a crisis, those involved may struggle due to lacking the necessary skills or resources to effectively address it. 2. Capabilities play a crucial role in responding to and recovering from crises. Those with strong skill sets and access to resources are more likely to be able manage through difficult situations successfully. 3. Commitment plays an important role as well; high levels of personal or organizational motivation can lead to better outcomes during times of crisis.

Through its global strategies, ‘People First’ (2016-21) and ‘Power of Us’ (2022-28), VSO’s priority and focus includes accountability to the voices and choices of the most marginalised and vulnerable groups of people, referred to as ‘primary actors’ in VSO’s work. The engagement of most marginalised and vulnerable groups of people and communities in VSO programmes takes a framework of building their agency, empowerment, influence, and accountability, in the process, building their ‘collective capabilities’ to demand their rights and hold duty bearers or service providers to account.

Through this paper we would discuss three contextually distinct examples from a) Philippines, b) Zimbabwe and c) Tanzania. The paper would highlight the primary actors’ citizenship actions, using lobbying and advocacy for wider policy and system change. Together, they lead to improved wellbeing and realization of rights by primary actors at individual, household, and community level.

In Philippines, VSO works with primary actors facing dual crises, severe climactic changes and conflict. Through a participatory and integrated approach there is increased participation of community members particularly women and youth, developed a sense of ownership and agency mainly due to the efforts of community volunteers that has led to strengthened social cohesion and accountability amongst primary actors and duty bearers.

In Zimbabwe, the primary actors are still rebuilding from the aftermath of IDAI and ongoing droughts amongst other climate challenges. VSO’s interventions have built the agency of farmers networks, agriculture cooperatives and primary actor collectives to engage the government and private sector on right to food, food sovereignty and climate justice.

One of VSO’s key projects in Tanzania is on Collective Action for Rights realization in extractives Industry. The lack of oversight, governance and transparency in the extractive sector is often attributed to a lack of access to information, inadequate independence of accountability systems from the state, leading to duty-bearer impunity (Oxfam, 2016). Through a people centric approach, women groups, youth and PWD networks were empowered to participate in extractive employment opportunities, amplify their voice, safely claim rights and entitlements, and feel supported in reporting and seeking remediation in incidents of corporate abuse.

Through the various evaluations carried out by VSO, the most significant results seen in these three countries are:

- In Tanzania, there is improved capacity and collective action of community members to protect, include, recognise, and uphold marginalised groups’ economic rights and entitlements.

- In Philippines, significant strides have been made on social cohesion and social accountability by promoting collective action on the part of primary actors and duty bearers through VSO’s trainings on peace building, social enterprise development and climate resilience.

- In Zimbabwe, through dialogue between women collectives and government administrations, community issues were raised and addressed as well as ensured an agreeable policy environment for improved service delivery.

The full paper shall investigate the tools and approaches adopted for collective action by the primary actors in these countries and discuss at length the key quantifiable results.