- Support to Law Making
Legislation is the cornerstone of democratic governance. At SAPST, we recognize the critical role that parliaments play in crafting laws that reflect the needs of society and promote justice, equality, and prosperity. Through our extensive parliamentary support programs, we aim to strengthen the capacity of MPs and parliamentary staff to draft, scrutinize, and enact laws that are inclusive, effective, and transparent.
Our focus is on creating legislative frameworks that protect human rights, promote social justice, and encourage economic growth. We work closely with legislators to provide technical support, in-depth research, and practical training to ensure that parliaments have the resources and knowledge needed to address complex policy issues. SAPST also advocates for legislative reforms that uphold democratic principles and protect vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.
We provide expert advice and technical assistance to parliamentary committees and MPs during the drafting process to ensure laws are clear, enforceable, and aligned with constitutional and international standards. To this end, our team conducts rigorous policy research to support evidence-based law-making, ensuring that legislative decisions are informed by accurate data and best practices. We also organize public hearings and forums that allow citizens, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to provide input on proposed legislation, making the law-making process more participatory and transparent.
- Promoting Sound Public Finance Management and Fiscal Policy
SAPST conducts extensive research on public finance management, helping parliaments oversee government spending and promote fiscal responsibility. Our research on budgetary processes, government expenditures, and financial accountability equip governance bodies with the tools to ensure that public resources are managed transparently and efficiently. Our technical support on public finance management primarily targets Members of Parliament (MPs), Portfolio Committees, Parliamentary Budget Offices (PBOs) and Committee Clerks and Researchers. We have also extended this technical support to civil society organizations (CSOs) to improve their advocacy on the Budget. - Citizen Participation
At SAPST, we believe that democratic governance cannot thrive without active and informed citizen participation. Our civic engagement programmes are designed to empower citizens, particularly those from marginalized communities, to engage meaningfully in legislative processes and hold their elected representatives accountable. We create spaces for dialogue between MPs and the communities they represent, facilitating public hearings, town hall meetings, and community outreach programs. These platforms allow citizens to voice their opinions on legislation, policy reforms, and community concerns. SAPST works with civil society organizations, community leaders, and advocacy groups to ensure that citizens are not only informed about their rights but also have effective tools and knowledge to advocate for positive change in their communities.
- Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
Promoting gender equality and social inclusion is at the core of SAPST’s mission. We work to ensure that marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, are represented in governance and that their voices shape the policies that affect their lives. Through our advocacy programs, SAPST supports the formation of parliamentary caucuses dedicated to promoting the rights of marginalized communities. These caucuses work to advance legislative reforms that address gender disparities, protect vulnerable populations, and promote social justice. We also facilitate dialogues between MPs, civil society organizations, and community leaders to ensure that policies are inclusive and equitable.SAPST helps establish and strengthen parliamentary caucuses focused on women, youth, and persons with disabilities, providing them with tools and resources needed to advocate for inclusive policies. We also work with MPs, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups to push for legislative reforms that promote gender equality and protect the rights of marginalized groups. We develop programs that support the inclusion of vulnerable populations in governance, ensuring that laws and policies reflect their needs.
We also conduct research on gender equality and social inclusion to address the barriers that women, youth, and marginalized groups face in governance. SAPST provides parliaments with evidence-based insights that inform gender-responsive policies and promote inclusive governance practices.
- Promoting Climate Change Policies
Governments and Parliaments play a critical role in addressing the climate change phenomenon. SAPST’s research on environmental sustainability helps parliaments craft legislation and policies that promote climate resilience and sustainable development. By providing data and best practices, we support the creation of policies that safeguard natural resources and protect communities from the impacts of climate change. Our research products contribute to the training materials we use for the capacity building programmes we conduct for MPs and parliamentary staff.
