Focus areas of our work

MS ActionAid Denmark works to end poverty by political empowerment of the world’s poor. We support building local democracy, conflict management and fighting corruption as well as land rights, trade justice, gender equality and opportunities for young people.

Political empowerment of the world’s poor
Poverty is closely related to powerlessness and lack of influence. Without a political say, poor people often lack access to land, water, education and basic health services. MS fights poverty by strengthening the political influence of the poor, for instance by supporting efforts to strengthen local democracy. In that way the poor become acquainted with their rights, and can stand up for them. To MS, democracy is much more than holding elections. Democracy is ordinary people participating every day in local affairs that are critical to them. Democracy is a way of life, where people get the chance to object to unfair conditions and embrace the opportunities of life. Only the poor and marginalised themselves can secure genuine influence for themselves. MS supports poor people in championing their own cause, in organising and gaining influence over their own lives, both when it comes to community concerns and global decisions.

Building local democracy
MS supports building local democracy programmes that empower poor people, so that they do not get a raw deal. This takes place through awareness-raising, by promoting more effective organisation and by promoting greater accountability in local governments. Read more

Fighting corruption
MS fights corruption by means of information, awareness-raising, and mobilisation of poor people. We support legislation tackling corruption and institutions capable of exposing it. Read more

Conflict management
Fighting poverty calls for a different distribution of resources. MS ActionAid Denmark supports constructive ways of handling the discord that springs from development. Conflicts should lead to positive change for the poor and marginalised, rather than end in violence and destruction. Read more

Land rights
Poor people’s right to land is crucial in the struggle against poverty. MS supports land reforms, advocacy, information, legal aid and land surveying in rural communities. Read more

Trade justice
MS supports trade justice for the benefit of the world’s poor through political advocacy, support for producers, and fair trade campaigns. Read more

Gender equality
MS supports equality between women and men – whether it be social, cultural, political, legal or economic. We support work at the grassroots level, information, campaigning and political advocacy. Read more 

Youth for development
MS supports young people as a particularly vulnerable and high-priority group, who at the same time hold the potential for the future. We back young people and contribute to the strengthening of their rights and influence through information, awareness-raising and advocacy. Read more