The Training Human Rights Association for Afghan Women conducts awareness-raising workshops in Nangarhar province targeting local decision-makers.

Middle East and North Africa

Despite government restrictions and political violence, political and civic groups throughout the region filled what political space they found and pushed for more. In Morocco and Kuwait, women increased their participation and won more seats in local and national elections. In Egypt and Turkey, workers formed independent labor unions and led campaigns for rights and better conditions. In Yemen and Bahrain, human rights activists and independent journalists were undeterred by brutal police treatment and harsh court sentences.

Despite fraud and restrictions, elections were held in Tunisia, Afghanistan and Algeria. High voter turnout changed the political landscape in Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon. Regional and international networks found new ways to bypass governmental restrictions, extend their reach, support advocacy efforts, and facilitate regional cooperation among activists and reformers. Islamist groups pursued peaceful political participation through elections.

Iraq’s provincial council elections broke the monopoly of sectarian elites, marking a departure away from identity politics and towards issue-based agendas. Voters turned out in large numbers and turned their backs on sectarian politicians. Such change offered civic groups new opportunities to advocate for reforms and hold officials accountable to their constituencies.

NED-supported groups focused on legislative advocacy, government accountability and capacity building at the national and local levels. With NED support, Al-Noor Universal Foundation pushed for citizen engagement with newly-elected leaders. The Iraq Civic Action Network built the capacity of youth groups on legislative advocacy skills and helped youth organizations facilitate civic forums and present policy options to provincial councils.  :: MORE