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Amidst this year’s health crisis caused by the pandemic and the worsening economic situation in Iraq, a group of women members of parliament (MPs) comes together across different political parties, sects, and ethnic backgrounds to address one common cause: combating domestic violence.
With their country already racked by corruption, economic depression, and a healthcare system crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lebanese could not see how their situation could get any worse. Then came the devastating Port of Beirut explosion on August 4, 2020.
With funding provided by the Government of Canada, the National Democratic Institute (NDI or the institute) recently conducted qualitative public opinion research in five provinces in Iraq: Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, and Salahaddin. This public opinion research was a follow-up to a public opinion research conducted by NDI in 2019, which also focused on the policy concerns and prioritized issues by Iraqis, particularly related to increasing women’s participation in politics.
Political parties play an important role in aggregating and representing public interests, shaping political agendas and developing government policies and programs. Parties are also a vehicle for contesting power and earning the right to govern through peaceful elections. To become more competitive, parties can make room for diverse voices within their organizations and practice more inclusive policy-making and decision-making.
As the climate crisis intensifies, many countries are struggling to respond. While government commitments to international climate regimes exist, these commitments have not uniformly resulted in more sustainable environmental outcomes.
In 2015, Morocco began an initiative to shift governing power from a national, more centralized model, to a regional model, in part to strengthen citizen trust and participation in government processes. Without adequate outreach, communication, and citizen consultation, though, regional government has, at times, been just as inaccessible as national politics.
With the Iraqi parliamentary elections approaching, transparency and integrity of the electoral process remain a prominent concern. According to the National Democratic Institute’s (NDI) polling conducted after the 2018 parliamentary elections, less than one in five Iraqis believed the elections were free and fair.
Olive oil is an integral part of Tunisia’s economy and livelihood, comprising half of the country's agricultural exports. Given that Tunisia is the second largest producer of the commodity globally, the industry generates a significant source of income, especially in rural areas. However, it simultaneously creates local waste management and environmental challenges.
Libya is preparing to hold national elections on December 24, 2021, offering an opportunity to continue the country’s democratic transition after years of violence and political stalemate. In the Tripoli region, Libyans recently practiced their civic engagement during a series of municipal elections held from January to April 2021.
For nearly two years, Women’s Advisory Boards (WABs) in five Iraqi provinces have been assessing the unique needs of women and girls, implementing gender-sensitive community projects, and offering advice to local authorities in order to ensure that gendered perspectives are included in decision-making processes.