The Power of Civil Society
I remember the stories of elders. They spoke of a community that looked after each other and supported each other. A community that understood the struggle intimately, and lent a helping hand to one another to alleviate the burdens of everyday life. A community with a strong civil society, one that went above and beyond the simple notion of what ‘civil society’ entails.
What is Civil Society?
The term “civil society” is a popular buzzword in political discourse. Policymakers often use the term to garner support from people, yet the genuine value and importance of a strong civil society is overlooked in our society. So, the question arises: what exactly constitutes civil society?
We can take a look at two definitions. One is the most conventional definition—the World Bank states civil society “refers to a wide array of organizations: community groups, non-governmental organizations, labour unions, indigenous groups, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, and foundations.”
Alternatively, one can say civil society symbolizes a society’s “third sector” independent from the government and the private sector. It encompasses the channels in which the people’s collective wills influence society. In its truest form, a nation that recognizes a strong civil society’s value empowers the community by acknowledging the strength and influence that lies therein.
The Challenges We Face
The Maldives hosts over 1000 registered NGOs; yet the civic space seems non-existent. This predicament becomes evident as individuals feel hesitant to freely speak or assemble—with good reason, too. While Rrallies are organized by politically-motivated entities are allowed, and gatherings organized by civil society members are often dispersed. The Maldivian spirit is stricken with lethargy and hopeless despair; we are disempowered by an unnavigable bureaucracy, grand corruption, repeatedly broken promises, and our leaders’ incompetence.
One cannot help but feel that the societal sphere is declining. In a practical sense, it seems there is no time or energy left for us to address the most critical issues. We are too overworked, overstressed, and incapacitated to take part in the public sphere, speak out, and assert our own individual influence. While we must overcome manifold immense challenges to pave a path for a strong civil society; psychological plights like lethargy and hopelessness are perhaps the greatest challenges we—as a community—must first overcome.
Unsung Heroes
Despite the obstacles, there are shimmering glimmers of hope that testify to the Maldivian civil society’s potential. They work tirelessly—and they dedicate their time, expertise, and energy into healing our society. Undoubtedly, these unsung heroes are at the forefront fighting against inequalities, injustice, and environmental negligence.
One of the leading examples is MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) NGO, a community of mothers whose goal is to empower female entrepreneurs in the Maldives and provide a platform for them to connect, inspire, and seek guidance in their entrepreneurial endeavours. The core component vitalizing the Maldivian society is the family, not the individual; and the MOMS NGO is a shining example of communities that build strong families.
In juxtaposition to government inaction on environmental issues, the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP) is a leading community conducting whale shark research. Through their research and work, the organization fosters community-focused conversation initiatives. This builds an essential sacred relationship between us and the natural environment.
Thus, communities that strengthen families and t rekindle our relationship with the environment are among the few essential ingredients required for genuine development in our country.
Why Do We Need a Stronger Civil Society?
We need a society that can organize itself, discuss pressing issues freely and influence policymakers to choose decisions that will wholly benefit the people and environment. Concisely speaking, we need an empowered civil society. There is an immediate need for a powerful public sphere, and a platform for the marginalized and disenfranchised to not only voice out their concerns, but for their concerns to be heard, addressed and remedied as well.
The government and policymakers must work closely with a civil society, not against it. It is crucial that the government is self-reflective, critical and mature enough to set aside differences and petty squabbles to achieve something far more valuable: healing our society.
In situations where policymakers ignore the people’s concerns, a civil society must remain capable enough to hold policymakers accountable and also implement vital solutions by themselves. A community’s strength lies not in the number of NGOs registered; but in self-organization and the ability to formulate effective responses to the problems they seek to resolve.
Nostalgia and Optimism
The stories passed down by the elders portray a self-sustaining society that sought their own solutions to their problems. Their stories illustrate a civilization that fought and worked tirelessly to ensure that life was dignified—not riddled with lethargy and fear. Can one deny that Maldivians are not strangers to self-organization? Do we not boast a potentially strong community? It is time we rekindle our civil spirit and regain faith in our community.