LIST OF WORKSHOPS

Policy from the People: Integrating Local Voices into Policy Processes in the Global South

Thematic Area: Policy Process, Policy Making

Background

How can policy processes integrate the voices of those affected by a problem to drive policy change and effective implementation of developmental programmes? This is a crucial question that this panel seeks to address in the Global South. In recent decades, the Global South has witnessed a surge in policy reforms aimed at addressing development challenges, improving governance, and fostering inclusive growth. However, many of these policies have been designed and implemented through a top-down approach, sidelining the voices of those most affected by the policy problems. While most development policies are aimed at addressing community-level developmental challenges, the voices of the vulnerable communities that are affected by these problems are hardly represented in the policy processes. This disconnect between policy formulation and grassroots realities is reflected in poorly implemented policies that hardly address the needs of most members in the communities. As a result, there is resistance from the communities, leading to missed opportunities for sustainable development.

The concept of participatory policymaking, which emphasizes the inclusion of local voices, indigenous knowledge, and community priorities, has gained traction globally. Yet in many parts of the Global South, structural barriers such as centralized governance, limited civic spaces, and socio-economic inequalities continue to hinder meaningful participation at grassroots levels. Moreover, the diversity of local contexts, encompassing cultural, linguistic, political, and ecological aspects, necessitates nuanced approaches to policy integration that extend beyond tokenistic consultations.

This workshop seeks to explore how local voices can be systematically and effectively integrated into policy processes in the Global South. It will bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and community representatives to share experiences, frameworks, and strategies that promote bottom-up policy development in the Global South. By examining case studies, participatory processes, and frameworks, the workshop aims to contribute to a more inclusive and responsive policy landscape in the Global South. To achieve this, the workshop proposes the following objectives

1. To critically examine the barriers to and enablers of participatory policymaking

2. To identify successful models and case studies of community-driven policy initiatives with equitable policy outcomes

3. To develop practical frameworks and tools for integrating local knowledge into formal policymaking

4. To foster cross-sectoral dialogue and partnerships for inclusive governance

To achieve these objectives, several research questions are proposed

1. What are the structural and contextual factors that hinder or facilitate the integration of local voices into policy processes in the Global South?

2. How can participatory approaches be institutionalized within existing governance frameworks to ensure sustained community involvement?

3. What role do intermediaries such as civil society organisations, local leaders, and researchers play in bridging the gaps between communities and policymakers

4. How can digital technologies and innovative platforms enhance participatory policymaking while ensuring inclusivity and equity?

Relevance of the Workshop

The integration of local voices into policy processes presents an interdisciplinary perspective that can potentially contribute to both theoretical and applied knowledge in policy, development research, and governance. In this regard, the workshop will contribute to debates on democratic governance and citizens’ engagement through empirical insights into how participatory mechanisms function in diverse political contexts. By foregrounding local agency, the workshop will also challenge dominant development paradigms and promote alternative models rooted in community priorities and indigenous knowledge systems. An understanding of the cultural and social dynamics of participation is crucial for designing inclusive policies. In this sense, the workshop will explore how identity, power relations, and social norms influence policy engagement. It will further highlight the role of digital tools in facilitating participation, especially in marginalized communities, thereby contributing to the growing field of e-governance. With the Sustainable Development Goals just five years away from the 2030 mark, understanding how strong institutions that encompass both the supply and demand side stakeholders can contribute to better policy outcomes through inclusive partnerships, in line with the SDGs 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals), is imperative. This underscores the need for integrated voices and collaborations in addressing critical development challenges at community levels.

This workshop builds on existing research in participatory governance, policy co-creation, and inclusive development, hypothesizing that systematic integration of local voices into policy processes can lead to more contextually relevant, equitable, and sustainable outcomes in the Global South. The chairs seek to explore several interrelated hypotheses, particularly local knowledge and lived experiences, and how formally embedding these into policy design can improve implementation successes and community ownership. Apart from frontline policy makers, policy success is also reliant on other players, such as local leaders, civil society organisations, and researchers who are critical in translating grassroots priorities into policy language. The dynamics that digital technologies have brought into inclusive communication can help to bridge the gaps between policymakers and communities, thereby democratizing participation. Nevertheless, digital e-governance can also systematically exclude marginalized groups without deliberate inclusion strategies. These hypotheses are original in their emphasis on institutionalizing participation beyond consultation, focusing on co-creation and shared authority in policymaking to drive community development. unlike prior studies that often treat participation as symbolic, this workshop interrogates how power, structure, and process shape meaningful engagement. By testing these hypotheses through case studies, collaborative frameworks, and cross-sectoral dialogues, the workshop aims to advance the theory and practice of participatory policymaking and offers scalable models that improve responsiveness and legitimacy in governance across the Global South.

The panel chairs are particularly interested in empirical papers that provide grounded insights into how local voices are integrated into policy processes across the Global South. They are also interested in methodological papers that propose innovative tools or approaches for capturing and analyzing local perspectives in policymaking. Priorities will be given to studies that draw on fieldwork, participatory research, case studies, or evaluations of policy interventions that demonstrate real-world dynamics of inclusion, exclusion, or impact. However, the panel also welcomes theoretical papers that critically engage with concepts such as participatory governance, co-production, and policy legitimacy, especially if they offer new frameworks or challenge dominant paradigms. Contributions that consider what works, why, and under what conditions, and that can potentially help to build a robust evidence base for inclusive policy design and implementation in diverse contexts are welcomed.

Workshop structure and activities

The workshop, which will be hybrid, will be structured to include presentations on participatory policymaking, policy co-creation, and community-led development, with case studies from the Global South: Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It will also include panel discussions that will feature researchers, civil society organizations who will discuss opportunities and challenges in participatory policymaking and how local voices can drive community development. 

The workshop will use a highly interactive and participatory format to foster deep engagement and collaborative learning. Sessions will include

1. Empirical paper presentations, followed by moderated discussions to draw out comparative insights

2. Roundtable dialogues with policymakers, researchers, and community representatives to explore practical applications

3. Breakout design labs where participants co-create frameworks for integrating local voices into policy

4. Case study showcases to highlight successful participatory models from the Global South

5. The final outcomes of the workshop will include a policy brief, a compendium of best practices, and a collaborative framework for inclusive policymaking.

6. Selected papers from the workshop will be considered for publication in a special issue of a peer-reviewed journal or an edited volume, subject to review. This will ensure that contributions not only inform practice but also advance scholarly discourse on participatory policy processes.

Policy from the People: Integrating Local Voices into Policy Processes in the Global South

Call for Papers

We invite abstracts for the IPPA 2026 workshop that critically engage with the theme “Policy from the People: Integrating Local Voices into Policy Processes in the Global South”. The workshop seeks contributions that explore how local voices, including community members, grassroots organizations, indigenous groups, and civil society organizations, can be effectively integrated into policy processes to promote inclusive and equitable governance in the Global South.

Preferred paper types

Empirical papers that are based on fieldwork, case studies, or evaluations of participatory policy initiatives will be prioritized.

Theoretical papers that offer new frameworks or challenge dominant models of policymaking

Methodological papers that propose innovative approaches or tools for capturing and analyzing local perspectives

Key themes

Papers can focus on any of the thematic areas

1. Barriers and enablers of participatory policy making

2. Community-driven policy models and equitable outcomes

3. Roles of intermediaries (civil society organizations, local leaders, and researchers) in policy processes

4. Digital technologies and inclusive civic engagement

5. Institutionalizing participation within governance frameworks

6. Cross-cutting themes, including gender, climate change, and environmental sustainability

Submission guidelines

Abstracts should contain the title of the paper, thematic area, author(s) names, affiliation, and contact information. Abstracts should not be more than 250 words with 5 keywords. Abstracts should indicate the paper type: whether empirical/theoretical/methodological.

Workshop format

The workshop will be hybrid and will feature sessions that include paper presentations, moderated discussions, roundtables, design labs, and case study showcases. Selected papers will be considered for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, special issues, or edited volume. We welcome submissions from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers working across disciplines. Proposals should reflect a commitment to advancing inclusive, grounded, and responsive policy processes in the Global South.

Indicate whether your presentation will be on-site or virtual in your application.

Policy from the People: Integrating Local Voices into Policy Processes in the Global South

Abstract

Policy processes in the Global South often remain centralised and disconnected from the lived realities of local communities. This workshop explores how grassroots voices, indigenous knowledge, and community priorities can be systematically integrated into formal policymaking to foster inclusive and equitable governance in the Global South. It aims to critically examine the barriers and enablers of participatory policymaking, identify successful community-driven policy models, develop practical frameworks for integrating local knowledge, and foster cross-sectoral partnerships. To achieve this, the workshop raises some crucial questions: What structural and contextual factors hinder or facilitate the integration of local voices? How can participatory approaches be institutionalized within governance frameworks? What roles do civil societies, local leaders, and researchers play in bridging gaps between communities and policymakers? And how can digital technologies enhance participatory policymaking while ensuring inclusivity?  The workshop will adopt a highly interactive format, featuring empirical paper presentations, moderated discussions, roundtable dialogues, breakout design labs, and case study showcases. These sessions will encourage comparative insights and collaborative learning across disciplines and sectors. Expected outcomes will include a policy brief, a compendium of best practices, and a co-created framework for inclusive policymaking. Selected papers will be considered for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or edited volume to ensure contributions advance both practice and scholarship. The diverse range of stakeholders targeted by the workshop will help to deepen understanding of participatory policy processes and contribute to more responsive, democratic governance across the Global South.

Keywords: Policy process, policymaking, local voices, indigenous knowledge, bottom-top approach

Dr Cecy Edijala Balogun

Cecy Edijala Balogun holds a PhD in Rural Sociology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She is presently a postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender and Class, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. She also holds a permanent position as a research fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Nigeria, where she has over seven years of research experience in policy research. She has extensively participated in social research activities, engaging a wide range of stakeholders and gathering qualitative and quantitative data to inform social policy in Nigeria. Her research interests span rural sociology, social policy, women and gender issues, youth development, community engagement/development, and stakeholder/social network analysis. Cecy has contributed to numerous academic articles and book chapters, co-authored books, and actively participated in national and international academic conferences and workshops. Some of her recent publications include “Bridging the Policy Gaps in the Rice Value Chain through Inclusive Policy Processes in Nigeria” (2025), “Empty Villages, Empty Food Baskets: The Rural-Urban Migration Story of Africa” In Bangura, A.K. (ed.) Migration and Displacement in Africa: Social Exclusion, Intergenerational Healing and Communal Restoration (2025).

Prof. Yetunde Adebunmi Aluko

Professor Yetunde A. Aluko is a Research Professor of Sociology, specialising in Gender and Development Studies at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Nigeria. Recognised for her groundbreaking scholarship in gender, governance, and social policy, she has made significant contributions to advancing gender equality and sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa. Her research covers gender-based violence, women’s empowerment, political participation, and the intersection of technology and social change. Over the years, Professor Aluko has served in various leadership and advisory roles, shaping national and institutional policies that promote inclusive growth and equity. As Head of the Social Policy Department at NISER, she provides intellectual and strategic direction for research that informs public policy and development practices. As a prolific author, she has published extensively in both local and international journals and given presentations at many conferences. Her work continues to shape academic discourse, inform policymaking, and drive advocacy for women’s rights. Professor Aluko has a strong passion for mentoring and is dedicated to fostering the next generation of scholars and leaders in social and gender research. Her scholarship reflects her lifelong dedication to creating a society that is just, inclusive, and gender responsive.

Prof. Tinuade Adekumbi Ojo

Professor Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo is Director of the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender and Class and Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg. A distinguished feminist political economist, she is recognised for her excellence in teaching, interdisciplinary research, and curriculum innovation. She has designed four transformative Short Learning Programmes: African Women and Political Leadership, Gender Budgeting and Development, African Women in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and Pan-African Feminism. The SLPs reflect her commitment to accessible, transformative education that equips both emerging and established leaders with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex political and economic systems. Her scholarship focuses on financial inclusion, governance, economic justice, climate change, gender-based violence, and migration, grounded in social justice and sustainability. She collaborates with institutions, government, policymakers, diplomats, and grassroots leaders to advance inclusive governance and institutional reform. She has published widely and is Co-Lead of the T20 Task Force on Solidarity and SDGs. Her recent books include African Women in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Routledge, 2024) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women in Africa and the Caribbean (Palgrave, 2025).

Dr Shakira Maxwell

Shakira Maxwell holds a PhD in Social Policy from The University of the West Indies. She currently holds the position of Senior Programme Officer in the Office of Global Affairs, where she anchors projects with both local and international partners, and serves on key policy and implementation committees. Dr. Maxwell is also the current President of the Board of Directors of the Jamaica Family Planning Association. She co-authored the book “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women in Africa and the Caribbean” (2025).  

Dr Anthonia Folasade Ibitoye

Dr. Anthonia Folasade Ibitoye is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender and Class, University of Johannesburg, where she also serves as Head of the Economic Disparity and Inequality Unit. She holds a Doctor of Literature (Applied Languages) from Nelson Mandela University, South Africa (2023), with a distinguished research career rooted in gender, race, class, postcolonial identities, and climate justice in Africa. Dr. Ibitoye’s current research explores the gendered dimensions of inequality, focusing on how structural and discursive systems reproduce marginality in postcolonial African societies. Her interdisciplinary interests span feminist linguistics, ecofeminism, digital inequality, and gender-based violence.

She has published widely in reputable journals. Her recent works include “Media Representation of Gender-Based Violence against Women in Nigeria: A Feminist Critical Analysis” (2025) and “Building Back Better? Gender Justice in Post-Pandemic Africa” (2025). Dr. Ibitoye is the author of the forthcoming book Unequal Earth: Gender, Ecology, and Climate Justice in Africa (Palgrave Macmillan, 2025). She is a member of the UKRI Talent Peer Review College (PRC), the Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID), and the English Academy of Southern Africa (EASA). She is committed to advancing inclusive, gender-just societies through research, teaching, and policy engagement.