National Democratic Institute for International Affairs

Program: NDI Programming

Program Description:

Radio-Based Civic Education

Given the diversity of Southern Sudan and the lack of information available to citizens, one of the best ways to ensure broad communication across such a large and underdeveloped area - and to reach people from a number of different ethnic groups - is through the use of radios. Having hit the airwaves in January 2007, NDI's multi-faceted, radio-based civic education program helps raise awareness among the citizens of Southern Sudan about their role in a democracy and to prepare them for organized participation in the political process.

Radio-based outreach, however, is only as effective as citizens' means to access it. In a country characterized by vast distances, poor communications infrastructure, and a low level of literacy, NDI seeks to help bridge the information gap by distributing hundreds of thousands of manual- and solar-powered radios throughout Sudanese communities. Working closely with local authorities to maximize the program's potential impact, NDI has begun to distribute hundreds of thousands of radios, targeting community leaders like teachers and physicians as well as traditional authorities to help promote community dialogue on Sudan's political transition.

HIV/AIDS Program

 

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is continuing to have a devastating impact on Africa, particularly in the southern region, where some countries have prevalence rates that exceed 20 percent.

NDI’s work began in 2001 in Malawi, where we had a parliamentary program aimed at connecting legislators and constituents around issues that most deeply affected citizens. NDI helped organize a dialogue between legislators and constituents around how the government could deliver better HIV/AIDS services. The program also focused on monitoring budgets that were allocated to provide anti-retroviral treatment for people living with HIV. As a result of NDI’s assistance, civic groups lobbied parliament to protect funding in the national budget to provide these necessary drugs to HIV patients.

The program has expanded to several other countries, focusing on the important role of parliamentarians as advocates for constituents who are heavily affected by HIV and AIDS.

Democracy and Technology

The Internet, cell phones and related technologies are profoundly affecting social, economic and political institutions worldwide, particularly in new and emerging democracies. In the hands of reformers and activists, these tools can overcome resource disparities and entrenched monopolies of power and voice.

For over two decades, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) has provided technical support to nonpartisan domestic election monitors in over 70 countries.

Women’s Programs

NDI believes that equitable participation of women in politics and government is essential to building and sustaining democracy. The Institute is committed to working with women as partners and participants in NDI programs and activities.

Comprising over 50 percent of the world's population, women continue to be under-represented as voters, political leaders and elected officials. Democracy cannot truly deliver for all of its citizens if half of the population remains underrepresented in the political arena.

Since 1985, NDI has helped women acquire the tools necessary to participate successfully in all aspects of the political process. Our creative and wide-ranging programs – in both challenging environments where democracy is just beginning to flourish and in more established democracies – engage women in legislatures, political parties and civil society as leaders, activists and informed citizens.

Program Long-Term Success:

Program Short-Term Success:

Program Success Monitored by:

Program Success Examples: