On Monday February 6, as the world woke up to the news of the devastating earthquake in Southern Turkey, at ICAN, we heard that the staff, their families and hundreds of beneficiaries of six of our partner organizations, were among the victims and survivors. We mourn the devastating loss of life.

Our partners include the Center for Civil Society and Democracy (CCSD), DARB Syria, Hope Revival, Kareemat, Mobaderoon, and Zenobia Syrian Women’s Association. They are all women-led peacebuilding organizations, and members of the Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership (WASL).

Our colleagues in these organizations have dedicated their lives to helping war-affected families refugeed in Turkey and communities inside Syria. Many are themselves Syrian refugees who have already been displaced by the conflict. Once again, their lives have been shattered. 

With their families, they have been forced out onto the streets in search of safe shelter, facing severe cold weather. 

Despite their own trauma, some have already regrouped and started to help people in need. As women-led organizations, they are concerned about the gendered risks including sexual violence to women and girls. 

“Work is an act of faith. By working for others, I can overcome my own fear.”

– Najlaa Al Sheikh, Founder of Kareemat Foundation, supporting Syrian women refugees.

We are raising funds to help them with safe shelter, blankets, food, water, and medicine, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Across our WASL network we are also mobilizing in-kind support, including trauma counseling.

All funds raised will go towards these efforts. Please donate if you can. 

The ICAN team thank you for your care and kindness.