Social and political participation

The equal social and political participation of women and young people is a prerequisite for democratic societies. Frieda is committed to ensuring that marginalised groups are accepted by society and can participate. Frieda's projects offer spaces and opportunities so that vulnerable and marginalised groups can help shape society on an equal footing.

Participation requires gender-equitable, non-discriminatory legislation and jurisdiction. Inclusive economic, social and political participation is a prerequisite for sustainable peace. Restrictive laws, institutional barriers and discriminatory cultural practices exclude girls and women worldwide from social and political participation. This is exacerbated by limited access to quality education, healthcare and resources. The full and equal social and political participation of women is a prerequisite for democratic governance.

Frieda promotes participation in shaping the political, social and economic framework. Frieda's programmes strengthen civil society and contribute to conflict prevention. Frieda campaigns for women's and human rights through awareness-raising and lobbying work.

What is it about?

Political, economic and social participation and power are unequally distributed in many places. This generates poverty and violence. To promote peace, Frieda is committed to inclusion. She works to ensure that everyone is accepted by society and can participate fully in it.

Political participation encompasses both participation in the formal political system and participation in informal settings such as associations, civil society, etc. Frieda and its local partner organisations create spaces and opportunities for people to have their say and help shape society. All people should also have equal access to justice. To this end, various Frieda projects offer free legal advice and support. However, it is also important to remove barriers to individual and collective access to justice.

In the Frieda projects, marginalised, discriminated women and young people are empowered to demand their rights. In workshops and events on women's and human rights and political education, they learn to recognise and exercise their rights. This enables them to utilise their skills and get involved politically, economically and socially. Local and national authorities are sensitised to their responsibility to respect human rights. Frieda's programmes work at various levels and involve civil society institutions, local, national and international authorities and institutions as well as the private sector.

Frieda's commitment to participation contributes to Goal 16 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Only peaceful and inclusive societies can bring about sustainable development.