Strengthening democracy around the world | Westminster Foundation for Democracy

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is the UK public body dedicated to strengthening democracy around the world. For more than 30 years we have actively helped democracies to grow stronger, so that freedom and prosperity can flourish. We help solve problems of democracy so that democracies can address challenges that people face around the world – from climate change to corruption.

Discover our strategy

Discover WFD at 30

Where we work

We operate directly in more than 30 countries and territories across the world.

What we do

Information about our programmes, research and policy.

Research

We produce research that aims to build an evidence base for and improve the quality of democracy support.

Resources

Our resources, including practical guides, reports, briefings and studies.

Events

Browse through the latest upcoming events, or access content from past events.

Who we are

Read about our history and values.

Themes we work on

Accountability and transparency

We are supporting parliaments to check how governments spend public money and assess the impact of legislation.

Elections

We support electoral integrity, by encouraging reforms that contribute to free and fair elections and organising election observation.

Environmental democracy

Our environmental democracy programmes help bring about the action needed to address climate change.

Inclusion

Our work on inclusion focuses on the political participation and leadership of young people, LGBT+ people, and persons with disabilities.

Openness and participation

We help to open up access to decision-making, from helping parliaments speak to citizens to advising on citizens' assemblies.

Women's political leadership

We support women leaders to fully and equally participate in decision-making, an essential step in bringing about better outcomes for everyone - including women and girls.

Latest

Banners held outside a counting centre during US elections saying 'count every vote'

Commentary

Why election management bodies need strategic communication plans

If election management bodies do not have a plan for effective, multi-year strategic communications, credible election processes risk being undermined by disinformation.

Story

Reshaping state-society relations in crisis-struck Lebanon

Between 2019 and 2022, WFD implemented a programme in Lebanon that provided institutional and legal guidance and support to parliamentary committees. WFD’s role centred on supporting the Lebanese Parliament’s efforts to engage citizens in decision-making processes in the face of economic and political crises.

Group of people posing by standing on a line

Story

The Coalition of Women Parliamentarians from Arab Countries launches first regional declaration to combat violence against women and girls

On December 5-6, 2022, the League of Arab States (LAS) launched the Arab Declaration on Combating all Forms of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) in a two-day high-level event in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Orange illustrated figures of men and women moving forwards. The leader is holding a sign that says push forward to end violence against women and girls and another figure in the group is holding a sign that says #16Days

Commentary

We will not break the cycle of violence against women and girls in war or peace unless we address underlying inequalities

No matter the analytical tools and methodologies, the evidence is clear: patriarchy, masculinity, and biased gender norms underpin violence across all times, phases or conditions. At the core are unequal relations between women and men and the concept that men should power over women and girls.

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