Local Spotlight

Every November 18, Haiti commemorates the Battle of Vertières, a pivotal conflict that ended over a century of French colonial rule, paving the way for Haiti to become the world’s first Black republic. This battle is a poignant symbol of resistance and the triumph of freedom over tyranny. 

Two inspiring leaders are harnessing the power of civic advocacy campaigns to bolster women’s social and political empowerment in the Ninawa Governate of northern Iraq. After participating in three IRI-led trainings that focused on advocacy campaign management, communication strategies, and facilitation skills, civic activists Raeda Salim and Saad Al-Wazzan created inspiring campaigns to bridge the gap between women’s political and social participation within Iraq’s government.

IRI relies on its many local partners to advance democracy around the world. Working with individuals on a local level empowers more people to take part in a political process and helps give them a voice in their communities. 

The International Republican Institute (IRI) relies on its many local partners to advance democracy around the world. Working with individuals on a local level empowers more people to take part in a political process and helps give them a voice in their communities. In Laos, IRI has been busy working with the Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education (ADWLE) focusing on key citizen-centered governance programs that strengthen their societies on a local level.

Advancing democracy worldwide requires the International Republican Institute (IRI) to work with local partners in countries all across the globe. This local spotlight highlights the important work being done in The Gambia, a small but growing nation with strong democratic aspirations in West Africa.

For a democracy to succeed, all voices must be heard. Participation in the political process cannot just be on a national level. Local involvement is a key ingredient to good governance and a pillar of strength in any democratic society. In Peru, IRI has worked with local partners CEDEPAS Norte and Ashanti Peru, to organize and host a series of advocacy workshops with women and youth civil society representatives in Cusco, La Libertad, and Puno.