NON-STATE ACTORS Civil society at large comprises all elements of society that do not fall into the category of the "State" and its three pillars, but is not confined to "non-governmental organisations" or NGO alone. It also includes organisations of the private economic sector (employers’ organisations, chambers etc.), the labour movement (trade unions, professional associations etc.), religious organisations and more. All these organised interests are combined in the term "non-state-actors" or NSA. Such a broad definition of actors of civil society is important, especially when reference is made to the involvement of civil society in decision-making and shaping of the political future in a democracy. In Botswana, democracy has largely been the domain of the State. Consultations with society are held in traditional "Kgotla"-meetings, a direct interaction between State and citizens. Dialogue and effective involvement of organised Non-State Actors have been exceptional or purely formalistic in the past. A vibrant living democracy, however, needs well organised and outspoken NSA. Often it is not only the reluctance of state institutions to involve NSA, it is the organisational weakness of the NSA themselves or their lack of skills and capacity that might hamper an effective dialogue. To strengthen NSA and to enhance their active participation in the democratic development is the second overall objective of FES in Botswana. This includes the intensive cooperation with partners like NGO, especially women's and youth organisations and - traditionally a focus of the international work of FES - with trade unions. Top of the page
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