We believe that training and capacity building are key elements that empower poor and marginalised communities to participate and influence the process of policy-making in their own countries. To achieve empowerment, it is important to strengthen the programming and lobbying capacity of community based organisations and that of their members.

CODA International works in partnership with civil society organisations from Latin America, Southern Africa and the Middle East. We provide the support and facilitate the resources – financial and advisory- that will enable civil society organisations to consolidate their institutional capacity and achieve their goals in a sustainable way.

CODA International has been involved in building capacities locally in the regions where we work in order to enable social movements and community groups to:

• Conduct their own analysis of public policies and demand necessary changes such as law reforms from decision makers

• Design monitoring tools to enable poor people to assess public services provision at municipality level

• Influence decision making around policies of public health with regard to HIV/AIDS, inclusive education, and participatory budgeting

• Improve the access of women to legal assistance in cases of gender based violence.