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

Online harassment silences women’s political voices. Women leaders globally face widespread abuse, with social media becoming a primary platform for harmful comments, threats, and attacks. These abuses—from verbal harassment to violent threats—threaten their ability to lead and fully participate in politics. DI, through its USAID-funded Elections and Democracy Activity, is supporting civil society actors in Liberia to combat this issue by advocating for stronger laws, equipping women politicians with essential digital safety tools, raising awareness about the impacts of cyberbullying, and promoting positive narratives about women leaders. Read more below. Together, we can create a safer environment for women to lead, engage, and thrive in politics. #16DaysAgainstGBV #SafeSpacesforWomenandGirls #NoExcuse #ENDGBV #DigitalSafety #EndOnlineHarassment

Great to have DI's Director of Technical Advisory Services Claire Robertson attend the 2024 Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation Annual Implementation Meeting in Gdańsk, Poland. The meeting tackled some of the most pressing challenges to electoral integrity today, including protecting election observers in an increasingly hostile global environment, communicating election findings that resonate with wider audiences, and supporting implementation of recommendations between election cycles. Discussions focused on ensuring that persons with disabilities can fully participate in election observation missions and highlighted the need for more inclusive and accessible practices within the field. They also examined the potential of generative AI to shape elections—both as a risk and an opportunity. Among the event’s highlights was the participation of Dr. Irena Hadžiabdić, President of the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a key partner to DI for the USAID Support to Electoral Integrity Activity. Insights from these discussions will directly inform DI’s ongoing work, including strengthening partnerships and advancing innovative strategies to protect and promote free and fair elections worldwide. #DoPGdańsk2024 #ElectoralIntegrity #InternationalCollaboration #ElectionObservation

Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recognize ongoing efforts in Armenia to improve accessibility, enhance services, and raise awareness about the needs and rights of persons with disabilities. Through the USAID-funded Protection, Inclusion, and Empowerment Activity, we are collaborating with the government of Armenia and local partners to foster a more inclusive society where everyone can fully participate and thrive. DI, through the Activity, has supported several key initiatives to promote inclusion and disability rights in Armenia this year. These efforts have included training more than 100 specialists from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs' Unified Social Services on disability rights and inclusive services and partnering with the Ministry to update the national list of state-funded assistive devices. To ensure this list meets beneficiaries’ needs, DI has facilitated consultations with persons with disabilities and their families as well as experts, NGOs, doctors, and paramedics. Additionally, DI has assessed the accessibility of 27 public facilities in Yerevan and has provided recommendations for legislative changes and the development of a Universal Design Plan to enhance inclusion. These efforts are a key step toward advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in Armenia and reflect DI’s ongoing commitment to building a more accessible and inclusive society for all. #IDPD2024 #Armenia #Protection #Inclusion #Empowerment #USAID

To celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities, I attended Sightsavers' event: How can we create a more inclusive future? Olivia Doyle, thank you for inviting Democracy International. Our every day actions can break the stigma and create better societies for all #inclusion #disability #democracy

In 2022, the UN Women reported only 14 percent of women and girls—approximately 557 million—lived in countries with robust legal protections to guarantee their fundamental human rights. The World Justice Project further reveals that women face more significant barriers to justice than men in nearly 70 percent of countries surveyed, with the gender gap in access to justice even wider in nations with high gender inequality. DI, through the USAID-funded Ain Shohayota Activity, is working to change this in Bangladesh. One of the most effective initiatives was reaching out to civil society organizations (CSOs) working with vulnerable populations, such as survivors of abuse and GBV. While providing essential services like psychosocial support and health services, these organizations often weren’t aware of the legal aid services available to the communities they serve. Through collaboration and targeted communication training, DI bridged this gap and equipped CSOs with the knowledge and tools to help individuals access legal aid. Our partner organizations are now spreading the message about government legal aid services and are ensuring survivors of GBV and other marginalized populations are connected with the comprehensive support they need. The CSOs also agreed to accept referrals from government legal aid services, which provides a more holistic approach to supporting GBV survivors. This collaborative approach is transforming access to justice in Bangladesh, helping women and girls reclaim their rights and seek protection. #16DaysofActivism #EndGBV #SafeSpacesforWomenandGirls #NoExcuse

Once more, Democracy International had the privilege to update the Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia on our USAID-funded project's progress: Social Protection in Emergencies; enhanced disability services; streamlined Unified Social Services; and support to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Framework, and strategic communication. 

Happy to represent Democracy International in this event focused on #elections in #Africa.

As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign continues, we're highlighting how behavioral science can help create safer public spaces. One powerful approach is designing "choice architecture," or strategies that subtly encourage safer behaviors and deter violence. Learn how changes to physical environments, like well-lit, high-traffic areas and identity-activating safety cues, can reduce instances of GBV. Read more: #16DaysofActivism #NoExcuse #EndGBV #SafeSpacesforWomenandGirls

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, we're showcasing valuable insights from social and behavioral science to better understand and address GBV against women and girls. One key strategy is bystander intervention, which empowers individuals to take action when they witness or suspect violence. Read more: #16DaysofActivism #EndGBV #NoExcuse #SafeSpacesforWomenandGirls