Measuring Two Decades of Empowering Democratic Partners in the Middle East

"Let's be honest. I didn't achieve everything solely because of NDI, but NDI helped me achieve and create my current path."

This candid reflection from a former program participant in Lebanon captures the essence of the National Democratic Institute's (NDI) long-term impact on political and civic engagement in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. NDI's programming alone does not determine individuals' civic and political engagement, but it can plant a seed by providing initial opportunities and formative experiences that help shape a person's path. This participant's reflection emerged during a broader initiative NDI conducted in 2023 to reach out to hundreds of individuals across the MENA region who had participated in NDI's programs over the past two decades.

The Institute reconnected with participants from a wide range of programs, including campaign schools where participants learn the ins and outs of running in an electoral campaign, leadership programs that equip women and youth to become civic and political leaders, initiatives to help civil society develop more effective advocacy strategies, and programs supporting government officials at the municipal and national levels in responding to their constituents' priorities. The goal was twofold: to better understand the longer term effects of the Institute's programs as well as to reinforce and re-invigorate former participants' commitment to political and civic life.

Through surveys and one-on-one interviews, these former participants provided compelling examples of how their experiences with NDI had positively influenced their trajectories. One such participant from Libya utilized skills she acquired from NDI-led training in the highest level of government to establish a parliamentary committee that developed a national strategy for managing immigration, which was eventually adopted by the Libyan parliament. Another inspiring story comes from a political activist and campaign coordinator in Lebanon who became a sought-after expert in campaign management and went on to share his knowledge with political parties both at home and abroad after participating in NDI's campaign schools program. His expertise was so valued that a party from another country in the region requested additional training for several sitting members of parliament and a government minister who were running in upcoming elections.

Some participant experiences reflected the challenges that can sometimes prevent individuals from participating in political or civic life as they imagined. Elsewhere in the region, a journalist who had received training from NDI found herself at a crossroads when the newspaper she worked for closed. But rather than give up, she redirected her efforts and used her negotiation skills developed with NDI to partner with a member of parliament to advocate for her country's membership in an international research institution. Today, they run a project that sends young scientists, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to the institution to study. She credits NDI with contributing to her resiliency and ability to problem-solve, highlighting how NDI can provide strategies and inspiration that help people enact positive change both within and outside of traditional politics.

These examples of NDI participants continuing their political and civic engagement are not isolated anecdotes. Across 12 countries, an overwhelming 83% of those who responded to NDI's follow-up reported that they remained politically or civically active, with the vast majority of respondents (93%) saying that their past experience with NDI has positively affected their activities today. Participants remained engaged in a variety of ways, with over three quarters of survey respondents indicating continuing civil society work such as organizing a community initiative, holding a leadership position in a civil society organization, and participating in or leading advocacy campaigns. Many also went on to hold a leadership role in a political party (28%) or be involved in drafting legislation or policies affecting their country (39%). Approximately a quarter of respondents reported working in public service at both the national and subnational level. And despite a lack of recent elections in some countries, 26% said they ran as a candidate in an election, highlighting their commitment to engaging in formal political and electoral processes.

When asked about how NDI affected their trajectories in the longer term, two main themes emerged from follow-up discussions with participants:

• For those initially uninvolved in political or civic life, NDI programs served as a gateway, creating an opportunity for them to take the first steps into engagement; one male participant from Morocco described NDI as "the first meter in the 100-meter competition - the first step and starting point to what I've achieved so far in my political work."

• For those already engaged politically or civically, NDI programs offered tools, skills, and knowledge that enabled them to refine and amplify their efforts; as one female participant from Jordan explained, "I've been involved with civil society since university in 2000. But after NDI, I started being more strategic, started thinking about the impact - asking myself, 'What is the desired conclusion and impact of my advocacy?'"

Participants frequently cited the development of new knowledge and skills, the forging of meaningful connections, sharing experiences with others within and outside the MENA region, and the inspiration and motivation the program provided as crucial elements of their NDI experience. Multiple individuals highlighted the value of being given the space and encouragement to voice their opinions. "I sometimes felt embarrassed to express my opinions, but after the NDI workshop, I became very courageous," explained one female participant from the region who later went on to host a talk show that discussed, among other topics, the expansion of democracy.

Hearing partner perspectives on how they came to be where they are today provides a valuable affirmation of NDI's approach to empowering individuals by building their capabilities and confidence, facilitating connections, and intentionally engaging historically marginalized communities. Central to creating an environment that fosters this empowerment is NDI's long-term approach to building trust within communities and the Institute's commitment to cultivating and sustaining a diverse network of on-the-ground partners over the long term. By listening to partners and regularly seeking their direct feedback, we can better see the impact of NDI programming on their work and also improve future programming. Continuous learning from past participants helps NDI ensure its programs remain empowering and impactful, planting seeds that grow into far-reaching positive changes that go beyond the scope of the Institute's programming.

Authors: Stephanie Parker - Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Lead for the Middle East and North Africa team, and Adam Yeazel - Program Associate for the Middle East and North Africa team

NDI's engagement with this program is implemented with the support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) program.

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NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.

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