In light of the above discussions, Razavi and Miller (ibid.: 33) criticize the enthusiasm
for the civil society organizations, and warn against the efforts to limit the role of the
state. At this point, it is necessary to point out that the neo-liberal policies which are
harshly criticized by the empowerment approach do also support the idea of a
shrinking state. The neo-liberal ideology suggests that the state should delegate
some of its powers and functions to civil society organizations (in particular to NGOs)
and the private sector. In that it declares the state intervention as undesirable, the
empowerment approach runs the danger that it serves the interests of the neo-liberal
agenda. The real challenge lies not in keeping the state out of the game, but rather in
81
making it more responsive to women's demands. Strengthening the civil society does
not necessarily imply the withdrawal of the state. A strong civil society and a strong
state can exist together. Besides their socio-economic, political, and cultural
functions, the civil society organizations can also fulfill the function of a control and
pressure mechanism which keeps the powers of the society in balance: