kodanikuosalust
Kodanikuosalust is an Estonian-language term commonly translated as "citizen participation" or "civic engagement." It refers to the ways in which individuals and groups take part in public life, influence decision-making, and contribute to community and political processes. The word combines kodaniku (citizen) and osalus (participation) and is used in policy, academic, and civil society contexts.
Forms of kodanikuosalust range from formal activities such as voting, standing for office, attending council meetings,
Advocates argue that kodanikuosalust strengthens democratic legitimacy, improves policy quality by incorporating local knowledge, and fosters
Challenges include unequal access among socioeconomic groups, risk of tokenistic engagement with no real influence, misinformation,
Kodanikuosalust features in civic education, public administration reforms, and NGO programs aimed at increasing public influence