Strengthening Subnational Civic Engagement in Myanmar
In Myanmar, the establishment of state and region governments in 2010 introduced new actors at the subnational level. Today state and region governments increasingly matter, demonstrating increased competence while undertaking expanded roles and responsibilities. This report looks in greater detail at how Myanmar’s changing governance parameters are impacting meaningful civic engagement. The paper focuses on civil society, a chief actor in leading and catalyzing civic engagement, and how they are adapting and innovating in response to this changing environment. This report draws on interviews with civil society and government actors at a subnational level across five townships and experience from the Myanmar Strategic Support Program and Open Budget Initiative.