Our commitment to addressing CSO capacity needs is grounded in rigorous (academic) research. For example, a survey of Iranian activists identified critical gaps in organizational capacity, ensuring that our initiatives align with the most pressing needs.
"Participation in the survey gave us a chance to not just share but also reflect on issues that existed in our organization, including ones we didn’t even know existed, which in turn helped us focus on impactful solutions," shared one activist anonymously.
To proactively support activists, we offer specialized training sessions and workshops—both online and in-person. Examples include:
Our post-workshop surveys consistently show that over 90% of participants rate the training as "highly useful" and would recommend it to others.
New knowledge can be challenging to apply, particularly in resistant environments. Activists receive direct support through our mentoring program, which includes personalized guidance or peer-to-peer learning. Participants determine the focus of their mentoring based on their needs.
For established CSOs, our coaching program provides tailored support to address (organizational) challenges such as scaling operations and enhancing professionalism. By refining strategies and developing robust policies, we help MENA CSOs strengthen their capacity to operate effectively and sustainably.
Unique Challenges
CSOs in the MENA region face complex hurdles, such as restrictive regulations, limited resources, and shifting strategic priorities. By addressing these context-specific issues, our coaching program empower Iranian CSOs to enhance their capacity and sustain their impact in challenging environments.
To further strengthen CSOs, we create resources tailored to their unique challenges. For instance, our Civic Activism in High-Risk Environments handbook offers practical advice for activists operating in restrictive contexts, covering safety, mental well-being, and organizational resilience.
Social media is a game-changer for advocacy in the Middle East. Platforms like Instagram, Telegram, and others are essential for reaching audiences, especially in places like Iran. Besides being active on these, we also use our platform Konesh Health to amplify key messages. At the same time government censorship can block social media and websites. For this reason, we continue to produce tangible materials, such as leaflets, which are distributed on the ground through our network.
Whileour target audience may vary depending on the specific advocacy topic, we tend to focus on groups that are vital to driving change, like youth and women. Movements like “Women, Life, Freedom” have shown how powerful these marginalised groups can be. Additionally, we may informally engage policy makers, opinion leaders, or local influencers depending on the issue at hand.
Human Rights
Educating people about their rights is at the heart of what we do. For example, we’ve run campaigns in Iran to highlight the right to association, supporting CSOs like independent trade unions.
Good Governance
Our advocacy also sparks discussion about broader issues like good governance. On Konesh Health, we’ve highlighted corruption and nepotism in Iran’s mining sector and shared stories about the harsh conditions faced by miners.
Strong Civil Society
More recently, we’ve been raising awareness about the importance of a strong civil society and how it drives long-term democratic change.
In a world flooded with misinformation and emotional narratives, facts matter. At VA, we conduct research and monitor human rights and civic space developments closely. This ensures everything we share is grounded in credible, up-to-date information.
Activists in the MENA region often work in isolation, with little international support. We aim to change that by amplifying their voices on the global stage. For instance, we produce biannual reports on labor struggles in Iran—a topic that’s often overlooked. Our policy briefs also address the needs of activists, like mental health support or legal protections for teens involved in protests, especially during movements like “Women, Life, Freedom.” We don’t encourage minors to engage in activism, but for those already on the frontlines, we believe it’s vital to offer them support.
We make essential resources available to activists by translating relevant resources—primarily from English, but also from other languages—into Persian, Arabic and more. From books and guides to videos and documentaries, these materials empower activists among other things to:
Our translations are carried out by certified professionals to ensure quality and accuracy, giving activists the knowledge they need to drive change.
The internet can be a powerful tool for activists – if you know how to use it well. To ensure that civil society in the MENA region can fully harness the power of the internet, VA has launched several digital empowerment initiatives. Firstly, we assist activists with limited ICT skills in securely uncovering and accessing online information and resources, effectively.
Additionally, VA gives activists access to tools through which they can bypass censorship, and we help activists protect their privacy online. We also offer guidance on actions to take in the unfortunate event of being hacked, reducing the risks of surveillance and arrest. These efforts both reduce personal costs and lay a foundation for CSOs in the region to become key information hubs. Our online platform, Konesh Tech, along with other channels, plays a crucial role in this mission.
In response to requests from MENA activists, we have developed three online platforms—Konesh Tech, Konesh Health, and Konesh Academy. These one stop hubs offer activists in the region tailored resources to address the digital, mental, and skill-building needs.
Together, our three platforms give MENA activists the tools, skills, and support they need to stay safer, take care of their mental health, and grow stronger in their work.
Why “Konesh”?
In Persian, “Konesh” (کنش) means action or act. It reflects purposeful steps toward creating change—exactly what our platforms aim to inspire and support.
Our webinars give MENA activists direct access to inspiring activists and thought leaders from across the world—including Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the West. These sessions are packed with ideas, tips, and real-world examples that have made a difference in other communities. That way, participants can benefit from diverse perspectives and proven practices around the world. For instance, a prominent women’s rights advocate might talk about innovative strategies that worked for them, how to overcome potential challenges and share practical advice that participants can use right away.
"Hearing from activists in other parts of the world was so inspiring. Their stories gave me practical ideas I could adapt to my own work, and it reminded me that we’re all part of a larger movement."
— Participant from Kerman
"The session with the women’s rights advocate was a game-changer. It gave me tools I’ve already started using to engage my community more effectively."
— Participant from Isfahan
Our forum is a community space where activists can connect on their own terms to learn from each other and to collaborate. Participants are encouraged to share everything—the wins, the struggles, and even the “bad practices” that didn’t work out—since there’s a lot of value in those lessons too. The forum is also a safe spot for brainstorming, testing out ideas, and working through local challenges with input from others in different contexts. Sometimes, these discussions even expand into round table conversations with international organizations, giving MENA activists a chance to get their voices heard on broader platforms.
"Sharing our challenges in the forum was incredibly freeing. I learned as much from others’ struggles as I did from their successes—it helped me avoid repeating mistakes and made me feel less alone."
— Participant from Tehran
"One of my ideas was stuck for months, but the feedback I got from other activists on the forum helped me refine it. Now, it’s shaping up to be a key part of our strategy."
— Participant from Tabriz
Recognising the importance of one-on-one connections, our workshops and conferences always include time for informal networking. As such, these events are about more than just learning—they’re about building relationships as well.
To this end, we also host side events at major activism conferences like International Civil Society Week creating additional spaces where MENA activists can meet others in their field, to network and share ideas.
MENA activists frequently report that the initiatives outlined above significantly expanded their knowledge and inspired more effective strategies and policies. Unintended yet valuable outcomes include increased collaboration—not only between MENA and international CSOs but also among CSOs within the MENA region, fostering a more united and resilient civil society.
