Democracy and Reform
Introduction

During the last ten years the countries in the Middle East region have been especially engaged in a fragile process of transformation requiring legal, organizational and institutional reforms. Among its citizens is a growing demand of the vital importance of freedoms of expression and association; the need to end all forms of social discrimination; and the need of introducing the principles of transparency and accountability throughout the executive, legislative and judicial processes.
Nevertheless, after the last elections we have been facing a reoccurring fear of instability causing a stronger state control mechanism, and leading to challenging the work of NGOs and journalists in the three countries we are working in. As we  support the strong call for democratic development which comes from the people themselves, we are focusing our work on supporting and promoting civil society. Civil society organizations are still the main force of change in the region as they continue to push towards  the discourse on democracy and reform and bring relevant issues to the attention of a broad audience. Our Democracy and Reform program is built upon three main aspects which are:
  • Democratic Participation
  • Gender Democracy
  • Media and Freedom of Expression

We believe that democracy can be only achieved if democratic participation is guaranteed and accepted by stakeholders in and outside the country. Another focal point is reducing the deficit in gender democracy and enhancing the active participation of women in the society. Last but not least we concentrate on freedom of expression as well as strong and vivid media, as they are needed to enable the free flow of information and opinion.


Human Rights

Freedom of Expression and Media Diversity

logo global voices
Media Outreach Projects in Egypt-Strengthening the voices of under-represented groups in Egypt through the use of digital media:
Rising Voices, the outreach arm of Global Voices Online, supports in cooperation with the Heinrich Böll Foundation NGOs in Egypt. The project supports the initiative to provide training, consulting and resources to marginalized and under-represented groups that seek to amplify their voices through the use of digital media.
more»

Female Arab Techies Meeting

- Between the 11th -14th of May 2010, 35 women from 10 countries gathered in Beirut for the first meeting of female Arab ITs  strengthen their role and of female techies in male-dominated communities. more»
grafiti
Free and vivid media is the third aspect in a democratic state. Most of the Arab countries in the region still try to control journalists. As the raise of digital activism proves, it is not only important to strengthen the education of journalists, but also necessary to support new ways of reporting more»

Democratic Participation

balance
The hbs Democratic Participation Program contributes to the ongoing debate on reform, democratization, human rights and the rule of law in the three project countries. more»

Gender Democracy

woman jumping
Gender democracy is one of the main fields of work for the hbf AMEO. Since Middle Eastern women are still restricted in their life-choices, our Gender Democracy Program aims to enhance the legal, political and social position of women, and improve opportunities for their participation in decision-making processes. more»
Perspectives - Political Analysis and Commentary from the Middle East
hbs Farewell/ Welcome Reception
News and Events

Farewell/ Welcome Reception

On 31 January 2012, Heinrich Böll Stiftung Ramallah welcomed official representatives, partners, colleagues and friends on the occasion of the farewell of the former director Mr. Joachim Paul and the welcome of the new director Dr. René Wildangel at Leaders Hall in Al-Maysoun, Ramallah. The reception came within the framework of the visit of the Co-Chairman of the German Green Party, Mr. Cem Özdemir and Member of the German Parliament, Mr. Jerzy Montag and the presentation of a project by our partner The Institute for Jerusalem Studies.

Please press here to see full article and photos.

------------------------------------

New Publication: 

Translation of "The Economics of Nuclear Power: An Update"

by Steve Thomas

               
_blank
Egyptian Partners