The unprecedented and unexpected spread of COVID-19 caused a medical crisis that required a scientific response; however, the fallout of the pandemic created a social problem that required a substantial response. In many countries, the state was not equipped to handle a crisis of this magnitude, especially due to its precipitous nature which made a lot of countries go into complete lock-down. According to the World Economic Forum, “In the wake of the crisis, civil society can serve as an advocate, a watchdog and a trusted authority. “ Across the world, the role of civil society in dealing with the social aspect of the pandemic has been novel.

This blog post explores the role and significance of a robust civil society during times of crisis. It also focuses on the conditions required for civil society to function effectively.

What is Civil Society and how does it function?

According to the World Health Organization, “Civil society refers to the space for collective action around shared interests, purposes and values, generally distinct from government and commercial for-profit actors.” Examples of civil society include charities, development NGOs, community groups, women's organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, trade unions, social movements, coalitions and advocacy groups. Civil society should not be characterized as homogeneous as it involves a variety of actors which might differ in opinion on many issues.

The role of civil society, as described by Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC), includes:

1. service provider (for example: providing meals, shelter, education, access to opportunities)

2. advocate/campaigner (for example: lobbying governments or business on issues including indigenous rights or the environment) 

3. watchdog (for example: monitoring and reporting on human rights excess committed by governments)

4. building active citizenship (for example: encouraging participation in local government or assisting people with voter registrations)

5. participating in global governance processes (for example: serving on the advisory board of the World Bank’s Climate Investment Funds).

Civil Society Response to COVID-19

The pandemic showcased how a robustly functioning civil society could help the state in relief measures. However, another important aspect that was highlighted was the fragility of these institutions, especially with financing and funding which are essential for effective operation. 

Civil society organizations throughout the world have aptly fulfilled the role of being service providers during the course of the pandemic. Starting with food shortages due to the widely imposed lock-downs in all parts of the world, civil society organizations rose up to the task of providing support kits to families. The Global Foodbanking Network has been at the forefront of hunger relief during the pandemic. They have led efforts to help food banks procure and distribute meals  in more than 45 countries. Restless Beings, a U.K. based organization working in Bangladesh to support Rohingya refugees provides support packs for families that include  4 face masks, 2 hand soaps, paracetamol, vitamins and saline at the cost of £3. Another important service that many civil society organisations have provided is to safeguard women against domestic violence, which statistically rose during lock-downs.  Futures Without Violence created a comprehensive toolkit for safety and support during COVID-19. 

Many organizations were also actively involved in policy design. The Resolution Foundation based in the United Kingdom inspected the financial and monetary implications of three unique situations dependent on the anticipated duration of social distancing measures. It additionally examined how the administration could relieve and oversee potential pressures between their well-being, economic, and financial policy goals. In Chile, Fundación Observatorio Fiscal has “analysed controversial procurement decisions taken in response to the pandemic with respect to lease space for a health emergency center and the acquisition of hospital equipment,” efficiently upholding its role as a watchdog and advocacy group.

Challenges for Civil Society

Civil Society organizations have faced various challenges since the outbreak of the pandemic. Funding from corporations has been diverted from organizations working on social issues to scientific and medical ones. Another change that has been noticed is in Corporate Social Responsibility contributions. For example, many corporations that were regularly funding organizations in India diverted their contributions from civil society organizations to national relief measures led by the government, which do not have the same priorities. Therefore, funding for critical issues like mental health, the needs of LBGTQ+ communities, domestic violence is being ignored.

A dire consequence of the shortage in funding is its effect on civil society jobs and sustainability. Up to 1.6 billion workers in the informal economy will lose their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic, estimates the International Labour Organisation. 42% of CSOs in the global south have lost funding for their current programs due to the pandemic, and 50% reported that they would have to close within 3 months without additional funding, according to a survey of 125 CSOs conducted by LINC. The funding pie for youth-led activism, which was already an existing challenge, has reduced and is a deterrent for young and motivated activists. 91% of young feminist organisations consulted for the Global State of Young Feminist Organizing indicated that the lack of financial resources as their top challenge.

Civil society organizations have an integral role to play and it is important for us to collectively assist them in functioning. Contributing directly to civil society organisations is one major step to help them out. Global Giving is a great platform to explore opportunities to donate. However, not everyone has the capacity and ability to donate money. Holding fundraisers in close circles or amplifying posts on social media helps organisations reach a wider audience. In addition, volunteering and working with the organisations can also be significant in their sustenance.