Strengthening civil society:
Strengthening civil society's scope for action
Civil society engagement plays an important role in feminist peace work. Worldwide, civil society organisations, including numerous women's and human rights organisations, are increasingly confronted with repression. Their socio-political action is thus severely restricted. We support projects from our global network that counteract the shrinking of civil society's scope for action.
In many of our project countries, the space for civil society activity and political engagement is becoming increasingly narrow. Authoritarian governments and militarised societies erect legal and bureaucratic obstacles, hinder civil society actors in exercising their fundamental rights and in forming networks, or criminalise them. Civil society actors are often threatened and exposed to violence. Women's rights, human and civil rights are becoming heavily restricted. These "shrinking spaces" for civil society action also threaten both women's participation in peace processes and their voices within political decision-making processes.
We determine the thematic focus of our projects together with project partners from our network. Content and format are adapted to local needs. The political and social voices of women and civil society organisations and their participation in peacebuilding form a common thread. These projects have a more limited timeframe and involve a smaller financial commitment than projects in the area of participation in peace processes or in our country programmes.
Related posts:
What are peace processes?
What are peace processes – and how do women influence these processes? With a graphic illustration, we show the various roles of women in the different stages of peace processes. We use this tool to highlight the role women play and the influence they have in peace processes.
Continuing to invest in the future of women: Afghanistan
In the 20 years before the Taliban came to power in August 2021, women in Afghanistan had been able, with difficulty, to reclaim some of their rights and their place in society. Until the takeover, we supported women to increase their knowledge about their rights in relation to the peace process at the time, so that they could help shape peace and have a voice in decision-making processes. We are currently analysing how to continue our support for Afghanistan's women.
Breaking the cycles of violence: Kenya
Struggles over land, resources or political power are the main reasons for the violent conflicts that regularly flare up in certain regions of Kenya. Although many women are active in peacebuilding within their families and communities, they lack recognition, specific knowledge and access to resources and larger networks.
Promoting dialogue and peace through theatre: Pakistan
Political tensions and economic turmoil in Pakistan are the causes of an increase in insecurity in the country. Ethnic and religious minorities who are marginalised and persecuted and women who experience gender-based violence are particularly affected. Our project partner uses theatre performances to highlight these inequalities, promote dialogue and peace.
