SES Equality and Solidarity Association has become the first organization from Turkey to join the Global Democracy Coalition (GDC), a network of over 120 democracy organizations worldwide.
The Global Democracy Coalition (GDC) was established in October 2021 following a summit organized by International IDEA in collaboration with democracy organizations from around the world.
Initially formed as an informal group, GDC has since evolved into a strategic multi-stakeholder alliance comprising over 120 democracy organizations worldwide. SES Equality and Solidarity Association became the first organization from Turkey to join the coalition.
The coalition’s mission is to advance and protect democracy globally. It serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and advocacy. GDC works with its members on strategic issues critical to the global democracy agenda.
The coalition is coordinated and hosted by International IDEA, an intergovernmental organization based in Stockholm that supports democracy worldwide.
GDC has organized Global Democracy Coalition Forums in 2021, 2023, and 2024. Its activities include publishing statements, preparing reports, offering analyses, and monitoring commitments, all aimed at strengthening democratic engagement worldwide. The coalition also maintains a website featuring joint initiatives and regularly issues newsletters. Additionally, it celebrates International Democracy Day with the participation of civil society, international organizations, academic institutions, think tanks, charities, and the private sector.
In May 2024, GDC launched an advocacy campaign titled “The Voice and Value of Democracy” with the hashtag #ThankYouDemocracy. The campaign aims to create a positive narrative emphasizing the universal value of democracy, encourage active participation, and inform the public about democratic processes and responsibilities. It also seeks to counteract trends of rising political apathy, lack of participation, and declining trust observed in many parts of the world.
About SES Equality and Solidarity Association
Founded in 2019, the SES Equality and Solidarity Association was established with the primary mission of achieving Gender Equality and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
The association, which is also the founder and organizer of the Equality, Justice Women’s Platform, acts as the voice of democracy, equality, justice, and solidarity through its Turkish and English newsletters reaching tens of thousands of people every week.
“Our commitment to supporting and nurturing democratic values deeply aligns with your mission and work,” wrote Nicolette Karina Kalfas from GDC in her message. “It is a great pleasure for me to warmly welcome and congratulate you as the newest partner of GDC. Your dedication to supporting and nurturing democratic values deeply resonates with our mission and efforts. Your insights, experiences, and contributions will undoubtedly enrich our joint efforts to strengthen and protect democracy, and we sincerely look forward to working with you.”
Global solidarity among democracy advocates is needed now more than ever.
Gülseren Onanç, President of the SES Equality and Solidarity Association, stated: “We were honored to be invited to become a member of the Global Democracy Coalition (GDC). We are pleased that our efforts to amplify the voices of women’s rights advocates and LGBTQ+ individuals from Turkey and around the world, and to defend democracy, have inspired global democracy advocates. We will also be inspired by the work of GDC and its 120 members. Global solidarity among democracy advocates is needed now more than ever. I find these and similar platforms invaluable for fostering solidarity among democracy defenders worldwide. We will continue to be the voice of Turkey’s democracy struggle at the international level.”