IM welcomes new partner organisations
At a time when the world is marked by war, conflict and growing inequality, it is more important than ever for people and organisations to come together to defend human rights and create opportunities for change. That is why we at IM are especially pleased to welcome several new partners to our global network.
The new organisations are based in all of our countries of operation: Guatemala, Ukraine, Moldova, Malawi and Palestine. They work on different issues and in different contexts, but they have one thing in common: they work closely with people and local communities to strengthen human rights and people’s opportunities to influence their own lives.
Local organisations with local knowledge
For IM, it is important to work with organisations that are rooted in the communities where they operate and have in-depth knowledge of the local context. They are the ones who know people’s everyday lives, challenges and needs – and who understand what changes are needed.
In Guatemala, IM welcomes, among others, Cooperativa Kxym Qya, a cooperative where Indigenous women work together in agriculture, including vegetable cultivation and sustainable farming methods. Also in Guatemala is the feminist collective La Revuelta, which works to create greater opportunities for women to participate in and contribute to the arts and cultural sector.
In Ukraine, IM is working with several new organisations providing support and promoting rights in a country that continues to be deeply affected by Russia’s full-scale invasion. One of them is Dream Workshop, which supports young people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities through day activities, supported living and support for families. The organisation also works to ensure that people can live independently and receive the support they need within their communities, rather than in institutions.
Different issues – the same goal
In Moldova, the new partner organisations work on issues including the rights of women and girls, a stronger civil society, culture and inclusion. In Malawi, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency works to strengthen people’s ability to participate in decisions that affect their lives and to demand transparency and accountability from public institutions.
In Palestine, Al Marsad works to monitor economic and social policies and strengthen the protection of people’s economic, social and civil rights, particularly for people in vulnerable situations.
These new partnerships reflect the breadth of IM’s work. In some cases, the focus is on strengthening women’s rights and empowerment. In others, it is about creating better opportunities for people with disabilities, strengthening people’s influence in society or supporting people who have been forced to leave their homes.
Stronger together
Working with local organisations is an important part of IM’s approach. Through long-term partnerships, organisations can share knowledge and experience, strengthen one another and together reach more people.
We are therefore very pleased to welcome our new partners. At a time when the conditions for human rights work are becoming increasingly challenging in many parts of the world, strong organisations and people who continue to stand up for human rights are more important than ever.
Together, we can help create opportunities for more people to influence their own lives and their future.
Text: Malin Kihlström