One step to a thousand miles: building accountability in Liberia

Abstract

Accountability Lab Liberia aims to build a new generation of active citizens and responsible leaders across the country. The Lab’s activities are working to shift accountability dynamics in Liberia in a number of ways, such as: securing political and community buy-in; mobilising citizens to become involved in civic actions; shifting mindsets and perceptions related to corruption and integrity; bringing diverse stakeholders together to share in a common vision of transformation. This report details the findings from an impact assessment of the the work of Accountability Lab Liberia conducted between August 2016 – March 2017, as part of a research and learning grant received through Making All Voices Count (MAVC). The author states that stakeholders universally agree that the Lab’s activities are influencing public awareness of accountability issues - such as corruption, transparency and open government - and are shifting citizen perceptions and catalysing grassroots movements to advocate for positive reforms as a result. A number of key strategic recommendations emerged from the survey and interviews conducted as part of this evaluation.