Our story: “MENA-can have a Dream…”

How it started? 

Our story is one of love, hope, and the unwavering resilience of individuals refusing to succumb to atrocities and despair.

It began amidst the darkest times, amid conflict and uncertainty, across Tunisia, Yemen, and Syria. We found ourselves amidst peaceful revolutions descending into chaos and devastation. We were supporting local activists and journalists who were striving tirelessly to serve and amplify the voices of civilians. Far from the noise of weapons and the buzz of mainstream media polarising the scene, the majority of silent people were trying against all odds to live, survive and thrive if only they were given the chance… As much as they needed to fulfil their basic needs, they also wanted rights and freedom, “bread, freedom and dignity”. Their desire was simple yet profound: to speak for themselves and take their futures into their own hands. 

We are passionate about Human rights
and empowering people

Our journey began amidst these upheavals. Instead of resignation, we sought resilience.

Refusing to surrender to chaos, we choose instead to carve a different path. We emerged stronger with a commitment to be a beacon of hope, lending support, amplifying voices, and championing the cause of local communities whose narratives often went unheard.

Our belief lies in people and their inherent potential to enact positive change, if given the chance. 

This led us to craft an alternative, a nurturing environment, rooted in Human Rights principles. It’s not merely here just offering assistance; it’s about empowering local activists, journalists, and the resilient silent majority yearning for dignity to shape their futures. We are dedicated to equipping these individuals with the skills and tools necessary for impactful actions, from empowering journalists to report on the ground to capacitating activists with the skills to advocate and to provide better services for their communities.

What are we striving to solve?

We are committed to addressing pressing issues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where some of the most alarming human rights violations persist, marking a stark contrast to the aspirations for freedom and dignity sparked during the 2011 Arab Spring.

Tragically, instead of progress, the region has witnessed an escalation in violence. Devastating wars, economic crisis and corruption to name a few sparked more instability, forcing millions to despair and seek safety and opportunities for a better life elsewhere.

Governments, citing national security and counterterrorism, have tightened their grip, perpetuating repressive governance and threatening media and civil society organisations. They often clamp down on dissents, limiting their ability to voice concerns, report on critical issues, and advocate for social change.

The MENA challenge: shrinking civic space
and a media sector in transformation

Against this difficult backdrop, journalists and activists in the region grapple with multifaceted obstacles ranging from a scarcity of resources, political repression to limited capacities. They often lack the necessary support, training, and resources. 

Recognizing and promoting the work of these change-makers, providing them with resources, support networks, and platforms to amplify their voices, are essential to build sustainable peace and development in the region.

MENA-can do it!

Despite the prevalent adversities, even in the face of darkness, there exists a profound potential for grassroots, bottom-up transformations. As we have witnessed in over a decade of first-hand engagement with grassroots initiatives, when provided with the right guidance and resources, local communities are the most eager and capable of building a pathway to recovery. Women, in particular, can turn adversity into tremendous power to improve their environment.

The core mission of MENA-can revolves around empowering these local entities with the necessary resources, guidance, and tools to amplify their voices and effect positive change. 

By doing so, MENA-can serves as a catalyst for uplifting the most marginalized regions and communities within the MENA region.