A girl with long dark hair and a dark dress with a bicycle.

Working for change

We support people in finding ways out of poverty and oppression.

A closeup of a Zimbabwean woman in a field.

A global movement

Diakonia works with around 400 local partner organizations in 25 countries. Together we work for a sustainable change for the most vulnerable people in the world.

thematic areas

We and the change makers in our global network know that it is possible to change the world. Our work is based on the firm belief in people’s equal value and the right of all people to a dignified life.

LST rightsholder:

Sri Lanka

Women’s Resilience in Sri Lanka Post-War

In the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s devastating civil war (1983-2009), communities in the northern regions faced unprecedented challenges of rebuilding their lives and social structures. Women, in particular, bore the burden of rebuilding their lives while confronting deeply rooted gender inequalities.

Women in traditional attire, engaged in a communal gathering indoors.

Sri Lanka

Rebuilding Coexistence with Traditional Wisdom

Ethnic tensions have shaped Sri Lanka’s history, resulting to a 26-year civil war that ended just over a decade ago. Now, the Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum (MWRAF) is utilizing the power of traditional storytelling to bridge communities and revive a once-thriving culture of coexistence. This innovative approach, developed in partnership with Diakonia, demonstrates how age-old wisdom can tackle modern challenges of social division.

Sakda in a traditional white vest standing in front of a Thai parliament with a golden stupa visible in the background.

Thailand

Indigenous Voices Shape Thai Bill

Sakda Saenmi adjusted his traditional Lisu collar as he entered the towering Parliament building in Bangkok, a world away from his misty mountain home. As the Secretary-General of the Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand (CIPT), senior staff member of Inter Mountain Peoples’ Education and Culture in Thailand Association (IMPECT), and now a committee member reviewing the draft Indigenous Peoples in Thailand bill, he had made this journey countless times.

Four women standing in front of a wall with a tree, looking in to the camera

Sri Lanka

Ayesha’s Fight for Fair Microfinance System

The sun rises over Rathmalyaya as Ayesha starts her day, no longer just a volunteer at a local medical clinic. but now a celebrated community advocate.

Her recent victory against unfair microfinance practices has changed lives across Sri Lanka.

A group of people standing outside with a tree in the background.

Cambodia

Gender Budgeting Reshaped Local Spending

Chhoun Srey Neang is reshaping the way local governance looks at budgeting, advocating for budgets that are fair and meet everyone’s needs.

Her involvement in decision-making processes has led to an increased social work budget that takes into account the various needs of marginalized groups in the community.

A group of young women cheering a karate practice

Held accountable

As the second organization in Sweden and the 23rd in the world, Diakonia has been certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). The certification acknowledges that our work meets the stringent requirements of CHS on quality, accountability and transparency.

advocacy

Our advocacy work is rooted and has direct links with the people affected by poverty and injustice. This gives rights holders and partners opportunities to make their voices heard in forums they might not previously have had access to.

Diakonia is a force, a movement, a hope.