Making human rights real

There is improved access to safe water, improved sanitation facilities, drainage systems and paved streets, and safe and healthy shelter through land tenure reform and capital investment in infrastructure.

Almost every child goes to school, and many are attending university.

Each person has their own financial identity and access to the entire range of financial services. The resulting economic activity has brought about higher living standards.

Women have been empowered to take control of their own lives. They actively pursue the best interests of their families and their communities, and participate equally in economic and political affairs. They enjoy more respect and co-operation from men, who also play an exceedingly important role in community development, with positive and supportive relationships being established between the two sexes.

Children’s associations function democratically, demonstrating great enthusiasm and skilled leadership.

Slum lords have gone out of business, and strong, effective relationships with political leaders and relevant officials are in place.

The Asha model is an example of how cities can be places of inclusion and participation, rather than places of exclusion and marginalisation.

A healthy, well-educated population is a major asset for any city, and knowledge is a pre requisite for enhanced civic participation in the social, political and cultural spheres. The education of girls and young women generates powerful poverty-reducing synergies and yields enormous intergenerational gains. It is positively correlated with enhanced economic productivity, more robust labour markets, higher earnings, and improved societal health and well being.