International Civil Society Action Network

Founded in 2006, ICAN is a registered non-profit, US based organization whose mission is to support civil society activism in promoting women's rights, peace and human security in countries affected by conflict, transition and closed political space. ICAN aims to support women's efforts through bridging the divisions between activists and the policy community, elevating the voices and experiences of women activists, building skills, and ensuring the exchange of knowledge and resources.

ICAN achieves its mission through trainings, information generation, sharing and exchange, and dialogue facilitation.

ICAN places partnership and collaboration as a core principle of its interactions with other NGOs as well as academic institutions and multilateral organizations. We pride ourselves in listening to and responding to the needs of our partners in conflict affected countries. By virtue of establishing strong ties with globally renowned institutions, we can bridge the north-south divisions, and foster a mutually beneficial exchange of expertise and knowledge and practice. ICAN also believes in elevating the voices and profile of national experts onto the global arena. As such we strive to identify and work with local activists and scholars where possible.

Services & Areas of Expertise

Gendered early warning, political and security situation analyses
Inclusivity, gender & mediation
Male gender issues in conflict and fragile settings
Women's rights and activism in Islamic contexts
Executive training and institutional action planning for gender mainstreaming and integration of UNSCR 1325 provisions in development and diplomacy programming (UN and national governments)
Trainings on gendered dimensions of: transitional justice, socioeconomic recovery, constitutional processes, disarmament/demobilization/reintegration, security sector reform
Movement and coalition building in politically closed and transitioning contexts
Peer-to-peer & south-south knowledge exchange
Civil society/government development of Women, Peace and Security National Action Plans (NAP)
Localization of UNSCR 1325 & 1820 and NAP provisions through integration in local development planning processes and legislation to ensure local ownership and cooperation
Monitoring national implementation and the establishment of multi-stakeholder financing mechanisms for UNSCR 1325 & 1820 implementation
Education and advocacy for a CEDAW General Recommendation on Women In Conflict & Post-Conflict Societies
Using media to raise public awareness of UNSCR 1325 and 1820

Geographic Outreach

East Africa (Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda)
North Africa (Libya, Egypt, Tunisia)
West Africa (Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria)
Middle East (Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen)
Asia (Afghanistan, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey)
South East Asia (Aceh, Philippines)
Central and Latin America (Argentina, Guatemala, Colombia)
Eastern Europe (Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia)
Pacific (Fiji)