Democracy, Development, and Defense: Challenges Ahead, New Year’s Reflections by Sabra Bano

I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to our partners, donors, and the team who continue to energize our mission of advocating for gender equality at the policy-making governance level.

My humble appreciation is due to our international partners who help us bridge the gap between local women’s organizations and national policymakers. Our shared success is built on the belief that women are not just beneficiaries but the catalysts for change. Through our cooperation, we continue to facilitate the transfer of expertise from national and international activists to local leadership and communities.

This year has begun with concerning developments in the field of gender equality worldwide. Women’s political participation is facing setbacks in many regions, reminding us of why we are on this journey and that progress cannot be taken for granted. While improvements have been made in gender equality awareness over the past year, the impact of the work remains yet to be seen.

In 2025, Gender Concerns International worked with partners across diverse regions, supported women-led initiatives and women’s participation in politics, and contributed to ongoing discussions on Women, Peace, and Security in countries affected by conflict. All these efforts have reinforced the necessity of gender equal democratic governance. A major focus of our work rests on election observation through GEOM framework.

Investing in women's leadership is an imperative for a more just and democratic world.As we look toward the future, we continue supporting women as agents of change in emerging democracies and conflict-affected regions. Gender Concerns International will persist to expand its outreach efforts by strengthening our communication platforms, sharing more stories from women, and consolidating engagement with policymakers to ensure the accountability and inclusive governance are prioritized.

As in the new year we foresee the challenges posed to democracy by authoritative, rigid and non-democratic practice of many democratically elected world leaders, we are bound to seek opportunities together with our partners, networks, supporters and team to work together against these harmful practices. Peace does not need more arms and conflicts are resolved with investment in development and by just distribution of resources.

May the new year bring us closer to a world of improved resources distribution, lasting peace, and democratic gender equality.

Thank you for being part of this movement!

In solidarity,

Sabra Bano, Director