Accountable Democratic Action (ADA) through Social Cohesion
The USAID-funded ADA Program focused on creating social cohesion by informing citizens living in informal settlements of their constitutional rights to housing and basic services. DIG worked with approximately 200,000 residents of 35 informal settlements across Zimbabwe (Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Kadoma, and Epworth). Collaborating with Dialogue on Shelter, a Slum Dwellers International affiliate, the ADA program team successfully mobilized slum dwellers into 100+ women-led solidarity groups. This allowed them to peacefully engage with government authorities and advocate to protect their rights. Local and national decision-makers’ increased accountability regarding constitutional provisions protected the urban poor’s rights to shelter and basic services.