Can FBOs Reshape the
Rights-based Approach to
Poverty Reduction? An
example from Egypt
The Conceptual Framework
The Meaning of Civil Society:
According to De Tocqueville, it is believed that civil
society as a self governing group of associations that
work to distribute power, broaden participation and
limit the abilities of the state to dominate power in
ways that can lead to revolution.
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Can We Study FBOs within a Civil
Society Framework?
Civil Society and Poverty
Reduction
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Basic needs approach
Asset building and livelihoods
approach
Rights-based approach
The Rights Based Approach
“It means that the situation of the poor is viewed
not only in terms of welfare outcomes, but also in
terms of the obligation to prevent and respond to
violations. For example, any action that excludes
a specific group of children from school or
discriminates against girls constitutes such a
violation. The human-rights approach aims to
empower families and communities to secure
assistance and advocates a fair and just
distribution of income and assets” (Van Rensburg
2007, p. 166).
Concerns about the RightsBased Approach
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It is difficult to explain to the poor.
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It does not always attract funding.
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It can be resisted by ruling regimes and
traditional power groups
Some aspects of it can contradict local
traditions and value systems
Advantages of FBOs’ poverty
reduction work:
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FBOs have Stronger faith-based emotional
link with people.
Their Staff and members are arguably
more motivated.
FBOs are closer to the poor.
FBOs can integrate their messages into
wider belief systems,
FBOs have strong associational ties and
wider national and international networks.
They are less dependent on foreign aid.
Disdvantages of FBOs’ poverty
reduction work:
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Religion limits the scope of development to
certain meanings governed by specific religious
doctrines.
Religion is a traditional concept that is less
flexible in accepting change and innovation.
Religion can make basis for discrimination by
FBOs against people of other religious groups.
FBOs lack knowledge of latest in development
theory and practice.
FBOs are mostly local organisations with limited
geographic focus.
Methodology
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Qualitative methods
In-depth Case Studies including:
- participant observation
- semi-structured interviews
- group interview
Rapid Comparative Assessment
Algmeya Al-Shareya (GS)
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Eestablished in 1912
it believes in the importance of “social
solidarity” as a principle means to help
spreading the true version of religion
through enhancing the role of mosques as
centres for advocacy and service
provision.
It controls the biggest network of
mosques in Egypt with over 350 branches
nationwide and sponsors more than
600,000 orphans in the country
Practical Findings: Similarities to
Social Protection
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Universality and acceptance of claims.
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Size and regularity of payments.
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Prioritizing women.
Theoretical Findings: Reshaping
the Rights-Based Approach??
• The understanding of recipients’ rights as
obligations on civil society.
• Recognition of the poor’s right to social
protection but with a needs-based delivery
approach.
• This responds to some of the criticism of the
rights-based approach, especially the cultural
critique, but it still leaves many unanswered
questions.
Conclusions
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FBO networks have the capacity to be
effective providers of social protection.
Despite the dominance of needs-based
practices by FBOs, they have the potential
to depart towards further integration of
rights into their practice.
The incomplete practice of the rightsbased approach by some FBOs can be
more effective in certain socio-cultural
contexts.
Questions and
Discussion