Civil Society and Media Leadership Program Quarterly Report (April-June 2013)

The program is implemented by IREX, with funding from USAID's award number 669-A-00-10-00074-00. The CSML program aims to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and independent media in Liberia to promote democratic governance, human rights, and social justice. The program focuses on three main areas: technical assistance and capacity building for CSOs and independent media, gender and youth mainstreaming, and grants management. In the technical assistance and capacity building area, the program has made significant progress in integrating CSML partners and enhancing collaboration. Weekly program meetings and quarterly partners' meetings have been conducted to facilitate communication and coordination among stakeholders. The program has also provided training and capacity building support to CSOs and independent media on institutional capacity building, advocacy, and reconciliation. The program has also made progress in gender and youth mainstreaming. IREX policies and procedures have been reviewed and revised to ensure gender and youth sensitivity. Gender mainstreaming training has been conducted for MPs and CSOs, and a youth mainstreaming strategy has been completed and implemented. The program has also strengthened relationships with relevant institutions and implemented women and youth celebrations with partners. In the grants management area, the program has ensured compliance with USAID and IREX policies. The subgrant filing and tracking system has been improved and maintained, and grants support has been coordinated with CS, media, and RSC. The program has also provided support as needed and administered grants, including the DEN-L grant. The CSML program has made significant progress in promoting democratic governance, human rights, and social justice in Liberia. The program's focus on technical assistance and capacity building, gender and youth mainstreaming, and grants management has contributed to the strengthening of CSOs and independent media in the country.