Sometime after that they arrive at a place where civic education might take place, where a civil society may begin to regroup, and when participatory democracy may start to develop. Before that there is not muc h point in discussing human rights and the barriers to participation. People need to believe that things can be better before those in power will let go of war and other authoritarian forms of control, and begin treating women, ethnic minorities, and othe r marginalized peoples more equitably. As this happens, a civil society can put down deeper roots and participate more fully in its own governance. The whole experience, from Swaziland to South Africa to Angola, made me realize that all people everywhere learn to be more participatory by practicing.
Small successes give fledgling civil societies the confidence to take more steps.
They can take fro m Western or local indigenous sources as these models seem appropriate and effective. Everyone can learn from everyone else as we are all on the same path. Linda Moscarella is a community activist who has worked with women's civil action groups for more than 30 years.