Karama 20
Women make history.
As Karama celebrates our 20th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible stories of women’s activism across Africa and the Middle East. Over the course of the year, we will gather together remarkable accounts told in the words of women who have made history.
Egypt
Our partners un Egypt continue to do incredible outreach to challenge the underlying cultural factors behind violence against women and girls, from street harassment to female genital mutilation.
Lebanon
From conflict and economic crisis to discrimination under 15 separate sectarian personal status laws, women and girls in Lebanon face severe challenges to equality and dignity. Our partners have led the way in addressing access to justice for all women and girls in Lebanon.
Iraq
It was women’s activism in Iraq that saw the agreement of the Arab region’s first national action plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325. These same groups then took on huge responsibilities to address the devastating impact of the dramatic rise of violent extremists.
Libya
After years of repression, Libyan civil society flourished in the wake of the vast social movement that swept the country in 2011. Before the regime even fell, Karama was supporting Libyan women to join together and plan their country’s future path. Their stories would include both success and tragedy.
Palestine
For Palestinians, existence itself is a radical act. To be a woman or a girl in Palestine is to be subject not only to the gendered violence and oppression of occupation, but to patriarchal oppression as well. Our partners in Palestine take an intersectional approach to their work towards peace, equality, justice and dignity for all Palestinians
Sudan
From Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim to the leaders of the 2019 revolution, Sudanese women have always been trailblazers. Karama has been honoured to support Sudanese activists on issues like legal reform, the women, peace and security agenda, and the ongoing peace process.
Jordan
Activists in Jordan have made huge strides in overhauling outdated and discriminatory law. Our partners work on ending child, forced and early marriage has mobilized constituencies at community, national and decision-making levels.
Morocco
Despite significant reforms, women in Morocco still face discrimination in aspects of family law. Our partners are leading dynamic efforts to reform the Moudawana.
South Sudan
Following its independence, South Sudan has been best by conflict and instability. Women’s civil society is determined to ensure that women in South Sudan are an equal partner in implementing the peace agreement and building democracy.
Tunisia
Women became an unprecedented political force in Tunisia following the revolution. However, since then they have faced an extraordinary reactionary and antidemocratic backlash. Remarkable and innovative activism continues despite this struggle.
Somalia
The cradle of the Karama network, the role of women in peace and reconciliation was absolutely central to the principles and practices that went into our foundation.
Syria
The Syrian peace talks saw women, their perspectives and priorities routinely ignored and sidelined by the international community. Syrian women had to find new ways to ensure they were not forced out of the process.
Yemen
Despite many years of conflict, women’s groups in Yemen continue to demand their basic rights be respected. Our partners in Yemen have been central to efforts lobbying their authorities and international governments to adhere to international agreements. Youth-led initiatives have made remarkable achievements in peacebuilding.
