Data for Democracy: New TASCHA project
The Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) is pleased to announce a new project, Data for Democracy. This new project is based in Myanmar in partnership with the Enlightened Myanmar Research Foundation (EMReF) and the Myanmar Book Aid Preservation Foundation (MBAPF).
The overarching goal of the project is to build the data capabilities of research organizations, government offices, and civil society organizations (CSOs). From data collection and management to analysis and visualization, Data for Democracy aims to increase the awareness and use of good data for evidence-based decision making in tackling social challenges.
In early March, this project began with a two-day workshop and training, “Building Data Visualization Skills through Tableau.” This training, conducted by Cybertrend, brought together representatives from NGOs, CSOs, and government departments to introduce the fundamentals and power of data visualization and provide training on the basics of Tableau Software. This group forms the first Data for Democracy cohort, which will continue to work together to use data as an approach to address some of the challenges that Myanmar faces as the country continues its democratic transition. Through trainings, workshops, and other activities, the cohort will address data needs, the design of effective data collection methods, data analysis, and the creation of data visualizations that highlight key findings and enable evidence-based decision making.
“This is such a good opportunity to learn not only about using the most powerful data visualization tools, but also to create a cohort among different organizations – CSOs, NGO/INGOs, and governments – to exchange ideas and fill each other needs and gaps around data availability, skills, and methods.” Myat The Thitsar, Executive Director of Enlightened Myanmar Research Foundation (EMReF)
Data for Democracy is made possible by the generous support of the Tableau Foundation. An initiative led by the employees of Tableau Software, the Tableau Foundation encourages the use of facts and analytical reasoning to solve the world’s problems through fellowships that help non-profits build data capabilities from the grassroots up.
“This is about moving data-informed governance and transparency from an ideal to an expectation in Myanmar’s emerging democracy. We are thrilled to be able to do our part.” Neal Myrick, Tableau’s Director of Social Impact.
To learn more about the project, visit the project page or email Chris Rothschild at chriskr@uw.edu.
