Holding Government to Account – Advocacy in an Emerging Democracy: The Story of the Black Sash

This case study documents the best-practice advocacy model of the Black Sash, one of the oldest human rights organisations in South Africa that a brave group of white women started in 1955 to fight the injustices of apartheid.

Today, Black Sash plays a key role in monitoring the South African government’s implementation of policy. While some of the Sash’s engagement is unique and specific to the organisation’s culture and historical currency, it is undoubtedly an example of how civil society can make an impact.

Black Sash is an Atlantic grantee.