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The International Foundation for Electoral Systems' (IFES) Strategic Plan 2020-24 prioritizes four Strategic Outcomes, including Strategic Outcome 3: All people safely participate in civic and political life on an equal basis.
The political rights of women; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people; persons with disabilities; young people; Indigenous Peoples; racial, ethnic, and religious minorities; and other traditionally under-represented groups are undermined by systemic discrimination and individual, structural and sociocultural barriers. Democracies flourish when all groups of society are represented. IFES has helped to shape international standards for inclusive democracy, human rights, and governance for 35 years, in partnership with our vast network of civil society and government partners around the world. IFES supports all citizens to increase their participation and representation in civic and political processes through initiatives such as advocacy campaigns; public policy reform; technical assistance to governments and other institutional actors; and civic and voter education.
IFES brings together global actors through capacity- and coalition-building efforts, sharing and adapting our global tools and resources to each country's context. IFES employs a rights-based intersectional approach and develops global, regional, and local partnerships to build democracies that deliver for all. IFES’s work is done through the lens of Nothing About Us Without Us, with programs designed and led by marginalized communities. IFES adopts a Safeguarding approach that supports local partners and staff to tailor program approaches for their political and community environments and prioritizes safety and security.
Explore our resources linked here to learn more and get involved.
Partner with IFES
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