Democracy International

🎉 Big news—DI's headquarters are moving! We are now at 7200 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1000, Bethesda, MD 20814. This new spot reflects our exciting growth and provides the perfect backdrop as we continue working toward a more peaceful and democratic world for all. Here is to new milestones and continued progress! #GrowingTogether #DIMoves #NewHQ

Happening tomorrow📣 Antonetta Hamandishe, DI’s Chief of Party for the USAID-funded Election and Democracy Activity in Liberia, is presenting at the EISA - Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa 2024 Symposium!   This year’s theme, “Navigating Political Transition in Africa in the 2020s,” brings together high-level stakeholders in governance and elections to address the critical trend of states transitioning away from democracy. Antonetta will be spotlighting the vital role of women and youth in peacebuilding programming across Africa and the globe. We look forward to the valuable insights and discussions that will emerge from this important dialogue. #EISA2024 #DemocracyMatters #Peacebuilding #YouthLeadership #WomenInLeadership

This week, after several months of planning, I had the privilege of organizing and facilitating the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee’s APNAC Malawi Strategic Planning Meeting. This meeting marked a pivotal step in formalizing and strengthening the Committee’s role, mandate, and strategic initiatives as the Malawi Chapter of the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC). The strategic planning meeting brought together Honourable Members of the Legal Affairs Committee, the Parliament Secretariat, and key stakeholders to: i. Refine the APNAC Malawi Constitution; to align with national and regional governance priorities while enhancing operational efficiency. ii. Establish strategic priorities for APNAC Malawi, focusing on actionable objectives in anti-corruption advocacy, legislative reforms, public engagement on integrity issues, and mechanisms for public accountability. iii. Lay the groundwork for implementation by developing a robust, strategic and practical framework to guide APNAC Malawi’s initiatives effectively. Democracy International's #USAID-funded Parliamentary Support Program remains committed to strengthening the Legal Affairs Committee’s capacity to fulfill its role as APNAC Malawi. This work reinforces an integrity-driven governance framework, fostering an enabling environment for sustainable development and equitable growth in Malawi.

On #HumanRightsDay, we honor the resilience and courage of human rights defenders worldwide and feel privileged that we’ve had the opportunity to support these brave individuals through our USAID-funded Justice, Rights, and Security Rapid Response Assistance Activity. Their commitment inspires us every day. Read USAID Administrator Samantha Power's statement here:

Today, on International Human Rights Day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing all people's fundamental rights and dignity, everywhere. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the principles that uphold human freedom, equality, and justice for all. As we conclude our 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, we reflect on the collective efforts of our partners globally in promoting human rights and combating GBV. While the campaign may be ending, our work continues—because the fight for human rights and against GBV is far from over. At DI, we will continue to champion human rights through our partnerships and initiatives, address the root causes of GBV, and bring together communities to continue making enduring change. 📷 DI global staff recognize and commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against GBV and Human Rights Day. #HumanRightsDay #HumanRightsForAll #EndGBV #16DaysOfActivism

On this International Human Rights Day, we recognize election workers and observers as human rights defenders. Their work ensures free and fair elections by safeguarding the democratic rights of citizens worldwide and reinforcing the foundational role of elections in protecting human rights. Thus, we celebrate the launch of USAID’s Guiding Principles for Electoral Assistance, which highlights the critical connection between elections and human rights. By emphasizing a holistic approach to electoral assistance, these principles reinforce the importance of protecting election workers and promoting the human rights they help uphold. Democracy International is proud to have contributed to these principles through collaboration with USAID and other stakeholders. We look forward to applying these guidelines across our global programs, strengthening democracy and empowering communities everywhere. Read more about the principles here: https://buff.ly/4g2ak5o #HumanRightsDay #HumanRightsDefenders

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), we’re highlighting the inspiring work of our local partners and the dedicated support of gender ambassadors in Ghana. CDA Ghana and gender ambassadors, through our USAID-supported Performance Accountability Activity, came together to launch a community-driven radio campaign in the Upper West Region. The campaign shares real stories of resilience and advocacy to combat GBV and sexual violence, while equipping communities with tools and resources to prevent and address GBV safely. Building on this commitment, and in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana and ComCA Ghana, the activity also equipped high school students in the Western North Region with essential tools, resources, and knowledge to safely recognize and prevent GBV, seek help, and promote violence-free schools. Together, these efforts aim to nurture a culture of safety, respect, and equality among communities and teenagers across the country. #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #Ghana

Civic education is the cornerstone of building a strong foundation for participatory democracies. In Liberia, through the USAID-funded Elections and Democracy Activity, Democracy International joined forces with the Ministry of Education and Youth Movement for Collective Action to scale up civic education textbook distribution to 60,000 primary school students across six Liberian counties. This expansion builds on our commitment to equipping young learners with the tools to understand their rights, fulfill their responsibilities, and embrace active citizenship. By fostering civic knowledge early, we are supporting efforts to build a more informed and engaged electorate, contributing to a stronger democratic future for Liberia. #civiceducation #Liberia #Democracy #USAID

As we observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, it's essential to highlight the importance of ethical, sensitive, and informed reporting in the fight against GBV and human trafficking. Media narratives influence how societies understand and respond to these critical issues, making responsible journalism a key tool in raising awareness, challenging harmful stereotypes, and advocating for systemic change. To foster responsible and ethical storytelling in Armenia, Democracy International brought together journalists and communication professionals through its USAID-supported Protection, Inclusion, and Empowerment Activity and in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. The group explored strategies to enhance reporting on human trafficking and exploitation with greater sensitivity, responsibility, and accuracy. By fostering collaboration and equipping media professionals with the tools for sensitive reporting, DI is helping shape a more informed and responsible narrative in Armenia’s fight against human trafficking. #16DaysofActivism #EndGBV #SafeSpacesforWomenandGirls #Journalism #StopHumanTrafficking

Join our team! DI is seeking a Chief of Party for a new five-year activity in the Kyrgyz Republic funded by USAID. In this role, you will oversee strategy, operations, and staff management while ensuring innovative, evidence-based approaches to achieve project goals. Previous program leadership experience in the Eurasia region is especially welcome. Learn more and apply here: https://buff.ly/4giC7hN #ChiefofParty #COP #DevelopmentCareers #InternationalDevelopmentJobs #USAID #KyrgyzRepublic