This initiative was executed to build the capacity of five Syrian humanitarian organizations operating in Northeast Syria (NES). The project prioritized the development of the targeted entities' organizational structures and the reinforcement of their long-term social vision for advocacy, while striving to improve access to human rights and fundamental freedoms for local communities. The project successfully realized two primary goals: empowering local actors to address community needs via effective programming, and optimizing coordination mechanisms to foster collaboration. Consequently, the project contributed to establishing more sustainable and effective organizations capable of supporting local communities and upholding rights and freedoms in Syria.

The “You Lead” project is dedicated to enhancing the capacities of Syrian civil society organizations in their representative and advocacy efforts for civil, youth, and humanitarian issues within their communities. Its main objective is to equip these organizations with tools and guidelines, enabling them to raise awareness effectively about relevant issues. Additionally, the project focuses on strengthening leadership and communication capacities, facilitating advocacy on civil, youth, and humanitarian concerns through targeted social media campaigns. The campaign specifically addresses youth rights. Twelve civil society organizations operating in northern, southern, and central Syria undergo four comprehensive training packages: civic education, social media mastery, use of digital tools, and safety and security protocols. After completing these training modules, CSOs receive grants to organize impactful social media campaigns advocating for youth rights in their communities. The ultimate goal is to empower and equip these civil society organizations to contribute effectively to positive social change and meet the vital needs of their communities.

Implemented from March 2022 to September 2023, targeting six women’s civil society organizations, the project aimed to enhance women’s participation in political processes and peacebuilding in northeastern Syria by improving access to basic rights, gender equality, leadership opportunities, and political representation. It focused on developing infrastructure through organizational and individual capacity-building, improving dialogue and coordination, and providing resources to enable women to lead positive change and support organized collective action. The project enhanced organizational capacities of women’s organizations through tailored training and mentoring sessions, followed by sub-grant programs to implement community consultation sessions with women from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. The project empowered women to play a greater role in building a more inclusive and just future in northeastern Syria.