After the fall of the Assad regime, Syria is in a crucial period of transition. Syrian civil society demands a crucial role in the transition to shape the future of the country. The TAKAMUL fund seeks to support Syrian civil society in its engagement in Syria. It allows for applications with a broad range of activities, e.g. from support to basic services and livelihoods to capacity-building and strengthening civil society. 

In order to strengthen the role of civil society in the transition in Syria, TAKAMUL puts an emphasis on social cohesion, women and youth as well as the relationship between civil actors and public authorities. Social cohesion in Syria remains fragile after years of conflict. Many communities find themselves divided along social, ethnic and sectarian lines, with unequal access to resources and opportunities. Displacement has strained trust between groups and hampered the ability of communities to cooperate and plan their (economic) recovery together, leaving women and youth without avenues for meaningful civic and economic engagement.

The exclusion of women and youth from decision-making processes has led to further fragmentation in the country. Women and youth have been disproportionately affected by the conflict, facing increased vulnerability to violence, displacement, and economic marginalisation. They are often lacking opportunities to engage in community-led initiatives that could help bridge these divides.

1. In the selection process, applications will be favoured that address at least one of the following criteria:
   Strengthening social cohesion: Local communities with particular focus on women and youth will be engaged directly in identifying priorities and designing smaller-scale local initiatives. These local initiatives should focus on economic rehabilitation and development response. Such community-driven activities and dialogues should not only strengthen trust and cooperation but also contribute to social cohesion considering the ethnical and religious diversity in Syria.
2. Improving the relationship between civil actors and public authorities: Where cooperation with local state actors is possible, improving relations between local populations and local authorities is key to ensure more stable and enduring social cohesion. Activities with particular focus on women and youth that promote transparency, accountability and inclusive governance - such as promoting participatory governance processes or creating inclusive economic dialogues between communities and local authorities - help bridge the gap between citizens and decision-makers.
3. Empowering women: Women will be strengthened as civil society actors and in their active participation in decision-making processes. Building the capacity of local organisations and initiatives that campaign for women's rights and connecting them with each other will be supported. The development of women's centers in which female residents can find a safe space to exchange ideas and receive further training is another focus of the field of action.
4. Supporting youth and youth-led initiatives: Youth-led initiatives hold immense potential to strengthen social cohesion and build peace across divided communities. Youth can play a critical role in community resilience and social cohesion efforts, with youth-led initiatives offering a vital platform for them to contribute their voices and leadership to rebuilding Syria’s social fabric. By equipping youth with the tools to organise and participate in community governance, social cohesion and resilience within communities will be strengthened. 

Click on "SIGN UP" and download the full call for proposals! You can also join the official information session online on February 26th by sending and email to [email protected].