On 28–29 November 2023, WFD co-hosted the 6th Bali Civil Society and Media Forum (BCSMF) alongside the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other partners. On 29–30 November 2023, also in Bali, Indonesia, we organised the inaugural Democracy Action Partnership (DAP). Over 200 civil society and media reformers from across Southeast Asia and beyond attended the two forums.
WFD recognised BCSMF as a unique platform for discussing emerging problems and exchanging ideas among democratic actors in the region. Strong commitment from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as host of the forum shows that governments can—and should—invest in creating spaces for multi-stakeholder dialogues and collaboration.
These briefing papers highlight and expand on the excellent contributions of BCSMF participants in identifying key actions for civil society and media stakeholders to strengthen women’s roles in democracy and defend the integrity of elections from disinformation. The focus on these thematic policy areas seeks to respond to the forum’s big question: “Can elections rejuvenate democracy?”
We thank our partners from Cakra Wikara Indonesia (CWI) and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) for their work in developing these briefing papers as well as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for their contribution in supporting WFD to co-organise BCSMF and launch the DAP platform last year.
We also invite you to find out more about the WFD’s policy works on elections, inclusion and equality of participation, and programme on advancing equal societies through women’s political leadership and participation in Southeast Asia.
Read the briefing papers below.
The analyses presented in this briefing paper formulate several recommendations discussed by participants of the BCSMF and DAP to address the identified barriers and advance women’s entry into politics and meaningful participation in democracy.
This briefing paper presents eight recommendations to strengthen current measures against disinformation based on the discussions that took place during BCSMF and DAP.
