Oxfam Canada

Published purpose

This initiative seeks to use innovative and accessible technology to empower citizens, particularly women and marginalized groups, in the province of Nusa Tenggara Barat, to engage in democratic decision making processes, improve their ability to access and understand information, and increase their ability to demand improved government accountability. The initiative’s innovative technology applications and platforms are developed through Voto Mobile. Project activities include: (1) developing a mobile phone and web based communication platform that will be both a source of information for stakeholders as well as a channel for the collection, analysis and sharing of data on citizen demands; (2) providing training to citizens and local government officials to increase their competencies with information technology applications and web platforms as well as good governance, transparency, gender equality, and budgeting processes; and (3) assisting village offices and district health staff to engage with citizens on village development and health issues and as administrators of the web platform. The project applies its various strengthening strategies in the area of health specifically in order to address the issue of high-risk pregnancies.