The leaders of NGOs do not demand anything from the government, yet politicians oppress their media rights and any voice in decision making for social issues.
Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne said media plays a critical role for any organization, but the government does not allow the media to shed light on their efforts. This not only inhibits them from gaining more attention nationally, but it also hinders the extensiveness their abilities could reach within society.
Though NGOs manage their own media, it still denounces the possibility of fusion between the state, civil society and private sector. The lack of civil society representation in politics reduces the awareness of their role in society and eliminates the chance of organizations placing their issues on the agenda.
Their issues are those of the people.
Leaders of various NGOs in Morocco expressed their voiceless role in parliament due to positional leadership and societal codes.
Since there is no recognition in the federal system, these groups assume a revolutionary leadership to inspire change from the bottom-up.
This type of activism is the result of the lack of government respect and the absence of an ear for their needs.
There are two primary disconnects of communication within NGOs that restrain them from countering this problem.
First is the lack of a united grassroots’ voice. The diversity of organizations can lead to a polarization from within. Also, the sustainable NGOs typically disapprove of the international ones who enter with only a temporary cure then an exit strategy.
There is a need of unification between those who have similar purposes or an overarching bond of all groups from working at the same level.
Next is the lack of international media to gain publicity and investors. New forms of communication can network nations, but due to lack of resources, researched strategies and government censorship, NGOs are only slowly adapting to the use of these channels.
Lotfi Lamrani said the government doesn’t realize their efforts create a win-win-win relationship within the society. NGOs attract visitors, engage volunteers within their mission, which also builds cultural bridges, and their work aims to build-up the community.
Due to the lack of funds and governmental recognition, Lamrani said when working within grassroots, you thrive off a salary of happiness and understanding.
Though their optimistic and motivating outlook is genuine and sustains their movement, to elevate their needs onto the federal agenda there must be a change of consciousness in the policy makers.
As discussed about women’s rights in Morocco, to reach a change in consciousness there must be a spread of awareness to women and a shift in the men of government to change the laws.