The Strengthening Democratic Governance in Pakistan (SDGP) program is a four-year intervention of SAP-Pakistan aimed at increasing the participation of rural poor in local governance. This will create spaces for them to significantly contribute towards decision-making and policies formulated for their development and well being at the local level. The rural poor - as repeatedly referred to stands for subsistence farmers, peasants, rural workers, and minorities. However in all these categories women will be given priority.

The program is being implemented in 40 districts and 400 union councils of Pakistan (ten districts from each province and ten union councils from each district). The geographical universe of program’s activities will cut across all tiers of local governance. Some activities will also be conducted at provincial and national levels.