Deema Aasy was the Programme Officer based in Stockholm for the Women and Youth in Democracy Initiative (WYDE), a joint programme with UN Women, Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) focused on shifting gender social norms, attitudes, and behaviours to enhance women’s participation and representation in political and public life through advocacy campaigns and multi-stakeholders’ efforts. 

Deema joined International IDEA in December 2024. 

Deema is a well-versed international development professional with over eight years of experience in multiple regional and international organizations. Previously, she led and contributed to various projects across the Arab Region and Europe focused on Women and Youth empowerment, reintegration, countering and preventing violent extremism, interreligious and intercultural dialogue for conflict transformation, and policy design and implementation in diverse, high-stakes environments. Deema’s work consistently integrates gender mainstreaming as a cross-cutting theme, ensuring inclusivity and equitable participation in all initiatives, as well as combining evidence-based research with actionable policy recommendations, contributing to sustainable development in the Arab Region and Europe.

Deema has authored and co-authored multiple research papers on “Women Faith-based Mediators in Syria and Iraq”, as well as "Understanding Challenges to Reintegration - Returnees from Al-Hol Camp in Syria". Deema’s career spans over multiple international roles at UNDP, the Arab League Mission to the United Nations, KAICIID International Dialogue, the National Democratic Institute, the Berghof Foundation, Tastakel organization and IMPACT civil society research and development. She brings a strategic vision, a collaborative approach, and a deep commitment to inclusive development and social impact.