Autumn is the time of the year when we start planning more concretely for next year’s specific activities to reach our organisational objective – of promoting the wider inclusion of women in peace processes and conflict resolution. This also means reviewing the resources we need to be able to do so. Operation 1325 is an organization highly dependent on government funding.
In 2022, Operation 1325 had seven projects with contributions from four different donors. In 2023, we have two projects with support from two donors. Now we are planning for 2024 to continue to strengthen women’s work in preventing conflict in Sweden and internationally through knowledge exchange, advocacy and cooperation with civil society organizations in conflict areas. The needs have not diminished.
The priorities within aid in Sweden is changing, something that we and other civil society organizations have reported on during the year. In September, the government presented the budget for next year. From an aid perspective, there are highlights such as the mentioning of women’s participation in peace processes, but many questions remain about how the money will be distributed. The one percent target has been abolished and we have a war in Europe that gets a lot of attention.
As we saw last spring, some state funded grants have disappeared, such as the Information and Communication Grant administered by ForumCiv. This led to several organizations having to cut back on their communication staff, including Operation 1325. Since then, we have learned that the Folke Bernadotte Academy has paused the grant to civil society, which means that more organizations need to review what resources they can keep maintaining. Basically, we are in tough times and there is less money for the civil society, leading to increased competition for the shrinking funds available. It also means that grant-dependent, critical voices risk being silenced out of fear of losing all funding. This is a threat to democracy.
So, this year’s planning is less about what resources we need and more about what resources we have available to carry out our activities. Frankly, funding and time are the practical basis for enabling our activities.
People may argue that it’s good to streamline resource to eliminate unnecessary waste. But what about all the other cuts? Individuals with high competence and long experience who will be or already have been laid off. Individuals who have built up strong relationships and networks in Sweden and with international partners. Staff reductions will affect civil society and cause lasting consequences. This knowledge base is not something that can be rebuilt in an instant. It also means broken partnerships and ultimately less support for those who need it the most.
In these tough times, our visibility through communication and advocacy is even more important to spread knowledge and raise awareness, and to engage more people who share our values. And thus create even more commitment and positive change in Sweden and internationally. Surveys show that Sweden wants an active civil society. An active civil society is a sign of a healthy democracy.
Thankfully, there is a lot of passion, commitment and hard-working volunteers and interns in the civil society. For which I and many others are very grateful. However, it is a vulnerable arrangement and unfortunately passion alone can never replace experience, skills and above all working hours to drive society forward. This is crucial to be able to work long-term with our frontline partners. Dedicated individuals involved in local civil society must be able to rely on us to continue their work. Because they make a difference, and we want to continue to support them to make that difference. Do you want to join us?
Anette Uddqvist, Director
