Somali Family Services recognizes that close collaboration between civil society and government is essential for bringing about a stable and democratic Somalia in which the responsibilities of government as duty bearers, toward citizens as rights holders, are both embraced and fulfilled.  In line with this vision, SFS has partnered with Diakonia Sweden to promote democracy, human rights and gender equality in northeastern and South Central Somalia through implementing a program aimed at empowering civil society to qualitatively participate in the democratization process in Sool, Sanaag, Puntland and Galmudug.

Currently in the fourth phase of implementation, the Diakonia-supported project aims to empower civil society organizations, government ministries, and Somali women, girls and boys by providing them with the knowledge and skills required for engaging in democratization processes, as well as for adopting the principles of good citizenship and governance.  This objective is being realized through a wide range of activities, including capacity building workshops, dialogues, trainings and awareness raising efforts.  By helping to train different groups in Somalia society on their respective roles within a framework of democracy and human rights—and on how those roles can be carried out—the project endeavors to plant the seeds for a future peaceful and cohesive Somalia.