What is a civil society ? How is it significant for the society? Give example.

A civil society is ‘society considered as a community of citizens related by common interests and collective activity’. Civil society can be stated as the "third sector" of society, distinct from government and business, and together with the family and the private sphere. The term points to earlier social movements, new nongovernmental organizations, women’s groups, environmental groups and tribal activists also.

Examples

• the International Trade Union Confederation

• the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

• Greenpeace and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Significance

1. Improve transparency and good governance in developing countries

2. Contribute to increased public debate on issues regarding the formulation and implementation of government budgets

3. Support greater transparency of public revenues.

4. Essential role as watchdogs of governmental institutions.

5. Engage in advocating the public's rights and wishes of the people, including health, environment and economic rights.

6. Fulfill important duties of checks and balances in democracies

7. Influence the government and hold it responsible.

8. Follow the political processes alertly and interfere where needed.

9. Help increase the knowledge and considerate their own members and the citizens on the topics at hand.