The Centre researches and documents the critical yet often-neglected experiences of women in situations of armed conflict globally. Since 1996, we have provided data and information on women, peace and security, highlighting human rights violations against women and women’s human rights defenders.
We acknowledge that women are knowers and not merely sources of data. As such we listen to women’s voices to gain access to and amplify their insights, voices and experiences.
Isis-WICCE research has been conducted in 27 countries including 15 countries in Africa (Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Somaliland, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Southern Sudan) and 12 countries in Asia, Latin America and the Balkans (Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Colombia, El Salvador, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri-Lanka, Yugoslavia and Nepal)
The feminist leadership institute is a safe space for women to galvanize their feminism while enhancing their leadership capacities to effectively participate in peace building and conflict resolution. We build the capacity of women as change agents in peace building and post-conflict recovery through leadership training, cross-cultural exchanges, research and ‘giving back to the community’ initiatives.
The institute addresses the deficit of women’s leadership in armed and post-conflict settings, by building a vanguard of women leaders with skills and knowledge to respond to conflict dynamics, sexual and gender-based violence as well as challenging structures that undermine women’s rights.
Since 1984, the institute has reached over 1500 women leaders from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Balkans. Through educative cross-cultural exchanges, training seminars, solidarity visits and think tanks, a multiplicity of feminists, leaders and change agents share knowledge, critique existing policies, leadership and structures to design and apply approaches for social change.
Women leaders have exchanged ideas, learnt from each other, and adopted cross-cultural strategies and solidarity actions to address a wide range of women’s issues while giving back to their communities. Institute alumnae have conducted research to conduct evidence-based advocacy to influence policies, programmes and action in response to women’s identified concerns.
Some of the alumnae’s efforts as part of the institute include hosting war victims’ burials for community healing and closure; conducting medical camps to address sexual and reproductive health issues; trauma counseling; supporting local livelihood enhancement efforts; creating community based organisations to effect local peace building activities, conducting policy advocacy and creating unique tools such as videos, as aids.
The institute works towards building and contributing to a global movement of women peace activists.
Since 1984 institute has reached over 1,800 women leaders from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Balkans , building a vanguard of skilled and knowledgeable women leaders contributing to a global movement of women peace activists. Through educative cross-cultural exchanges, training seminars, solidarity visits and think tanks, a multiplicity of feminists, leaders and change agents share knowledge; conduct research; critique existing policies, leadership and structures.
Through communication and knowledge management, The Centre, formerly Isis-WICCE seeks to inform and influence global discourse on gender, peace and security, serving as a vital resource hub and reference point for policy makers, activists, academia, civil society, ordinary women and men to effect gender-responsive social change.
We prioritise sharing information and communicating directly to decision-makers as well as a diverse set of individuals shaping women’s lives at local, national, regional and international levels.
Through this, The Centre contributes to building an informed wave of world leaders who respect gender diversity and uphold women’s rights.
Visit our Blog for Regular News, Stories and Information Resources
Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre) works in conflict and post conflict countries, providing ground breaking approaches to the issue of conflict and post conflict reconstruction and what it means to be at peace with oneself, one’s community and country. Over the years, The Peace Centre has emerged as a leader in the feminist discourse for peace and security, using national and international frameworks such as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325), National Action Plans on 1325 (NAP), the Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16 and other women, peace and security frameworks.
Women’s participation in decision-making in peace building and post-conflict recovery processes (e.g. disarmament and reintegration, security sector reform, economic recovery programmes, humanitarian response, legal, judicial and electoral processes) in Uganda is markedly low, particularly at local level. The women, peace and security (WPS) agenda in Uganda has a strong legal and policy basis reflected in diverse frameworks however, there is need for citizen’s participation in defining and responding to peace building and conflict transformation priorities along with an emphasis on addressing the specific needs of women.
To address the presented gap, The Peace Centre designed a project on “Promoting women’s effective participation in peace building in Uganda” that run from June 2019 to March 2021. The project sought to contribute to an increase in women’s participation in decision-making processes (formal and informal) to promote peace in Uganda.
During the timeline of project implementation, women’s capacity to promote peace building and engage in decision-making has been strengthened through trainings that have equipped them with mediation, leadership and peace building skills within refugee and host communities. The project has also established/strengthened capacity of peace building structures such as CEWERU and district local government structures to mainstream gender perspectives with effective peace building mechanisms to promote the rights of women and girls. More so the project has availed women a platform to engage with duty bearers at national, district and community level to air out their concerns for redress and commitment to action.
1.1 Project goal
To contribute to an increase in women’s participation in decision-making processes through strengthening peace building mechanisms (formal and informal) to promote peace in Uganda.
1.2 Project objectives
To have more commitments on women, peace and security implemented by GoU and the UN, and more gender equality advocates influence peace and security processes
To strengthen capacity of more institutions of the justice and security sectors to mainstream gender perspectives and promote the rights of women and girls in conflict, post conflict and other crisis situations.
To increase women representation and leadership in formal and informal peace processes and negotiations.
THE END OF PROGRAMME EVALUATION
The Evaluation is intended to; assess the effectiveness of the project; track the changes that have emerged as a result of the project implementation; and generate new lessons to inform The Peace Centre’s programming in the area of work being evaluated.
On the overall, the evaluation is expected to look at coherence between the project design, delivery mechanisms and its performance.
Objectives of the Evaluation
This evaluation seeks to:
Assess the effectiveness, appropriateness and relevancy of the project interventions in the given context of the project.
Assess the project implementation approach for efficiency (How efficient was the project? Was the method of delivery the most appropriate and efficient?).
Assess the extent to which the anticipated overall objectives and project results were achieved in quantitative and qualitative terms.
Identify and document lessons learned and good practices; areas of improvement and recommendations to mitigate identified challenges for future programming (Identify key lessons, stories of change and examples of good practice).
Propose future areas of intervention for continuation of the project (with practical recommendations for follow-up action).
Assess sustainability of the project (assess the probability of continued long-term benefits. How successful has the project been at linking rights holders to longer term development programmes and if not, how can this be successfully achieved).
2.2 Scope of the Evaluation
The evaluation will focus on the results and indicators as stipulated in the project documents between The Peace Centre and UN Women.
2.3 Approach and Methodology
The Consultant(s) is expected to employ both qualitative and quantitative methods but can also propose additional methods for undertaking the assignment to achieve the evaluation objectives. The methodology is expected to cover, but not be limited, to the following aspects:
Establishing the basis for substantiating outputs and outcomes by, among others, carrying out a systematic desk review of all relevant documents (proposals, agreements, work plans, budgets and reports)
Determining a strategy to ascertain results achieved by the peace-building project through its work with women.
Determining a strategy to ascertain results achieved by the project (document review, interviews and observation among others.)
Specifying the stakeholders to be consulted and the data collection methods to be used to respond to the different evaluation questions
The evaluation will majorly be conducted in Adjumani, Yumbe and Kotido while observing the Ministry of Health Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs). Interface with staff of The Peace Centre who have been directly involved in the project implementation will be critical.
3.0 KEY DELIVERABLES
An Inception Report detailing the agreed methodology, work plan, interview questionnaires and the proposed Table of Content (TOC) of the evaluation report to be presented to the Project Management Team not later than 4 working days after signing the contract.
A draft evaluation report, of not more than 30 pages, including an Executive Summary (2 – 3 pages), but excluding annexes. The report should adequately respond to the objectives of the assignment, providing evidence-based conclusions and prioritized recommendations.
A meeting with the Peace Centre team to discuss preliminary findings, observations and recommendations.
A power-point presentation of preliminary observations, conclusions and recommendations to be discussed with the Peace Centre team to be held at least three working days before the final report is due.
A final analytical evaluation report on the performance, achievements, challenges and lessons learnt from the project and insights for future programming.
4.0 EVALUATION TEAM QUALIFICATIONS
The evaluation will be conducted by consultants who will have substantive knowledge of peace building, gender analysis and governance programing.
Evaluation team members will be part of a Consulting Firm/ Consortium (‘the Consultant’) with clearly demonstrated expertise and experience in conducting evaluations and impact assessments using a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods in the field of peace building and democratic governance.
Critical thinking and analysis.
Time Management.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND VALUES FOR THE EVALUATION
It’s important that Bidders highlight measurements to which the evaluation will meet ethical standards, feasibility, relevancy and accuracy, as well as propose other quality performance measures that will be refined during the inception phase if found to be necessary.
6.0 TIME SCHEDULE
The duration of the assignment is 20 working days including all the preparation and field related work, as well as writing of the inception report, presentation of preliminary findings and submission of the final report. The assignment is estimated to be undertaken from 9th February 2021 to 5thMarch 2021.
7.0 APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
The Consultant to carry out the evaluation will be selected according to the “Open Tendering” method, following the procedures, templates and instructions of The Peace Centre’s “Standard Request for Proposals for Consultancy Services”.
Applicants will be required to submit a Technical and Financial proposal. Proposals will be evaluated using the principle of Quality and Cost Based Selection, with a weight of 80% given to the Technical Proposal and a weight of 20% given to the Financial Proposal.
Applications should be submitted via email toprocurement@wipc.org or delivered to Women’s International Peace Centre, Plot 1 Martyr’s Garden B, Minister’s Village, Ntinda, Kampala. The closing date for receiving both the Technical and Financial proposals is 22nd January 2021 at 5:00pm.
Women’s International Peace Centre, formerly Isis-WICCE, is a feminist organization founded in 1974 and based in Kampala, Uganda. Our mission is to ignite women’s leadership, amplify their voices and deepen their impact in recreating peace. Our WEAVE model intersects research (on women’s specific experiences and needs), evidence-based advocacy (to influence national, regional and international policy and practice), holistic healing (to enable women’s wellbeing and participation in peace processes), skills and movement building (to equip WHRDs with necessary skills, build networks and facilitate exchange of strategies to advance women’s leadership for peace.
The Peace Centre works in Africa, Asia, at regional and global level with women war survivors, women human rights defenders, and women’s rights organizations to amplify women’s voices and advocate for policies and programmes tackling the impact of conflict on women and communities using our WEAVE model. The Peace Centre’s current strategic plan (2019-2022) focuses on amplifying the voices and agency of women and women’s rights organisations to build and sustain inclusive peace and security in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, South Sudan and Uganda
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Finance Manager will assume a leadership role of ensuring real-time financial data and reports to enable internal decision- making processes, timely reporting of project funds as well as accountability for the funds disbursed to staff, ensuring compliance to the appropriate principles and procedures, and regulatory compliance in order to improve the overall financial aspect of the organization.
They will;
Lead the financial planning process; (Financial strategies and (Financial strategies and fore casting, budgeting for The Peace Centre undertakings (annual, new initiatives, strategic plans, departmental)
Lead the process of updating the Financial Policies and Procedures Manual.
Manage the effective application and adherence of The Peace Centre financial policy, procedures and controls in all departments and at all levels.
Continuously review, evaluate and develop the internal financial systems to maintain full financial integrity of the organization
Payroll management (employee pay records and benefits)
Preparation of budgets and funding requests.
Ensure effective undertaking of the accounting function in The Peace Centre.
Control and monitor budgetary utilization by the various programmes and sections and advise the Executive Director and management team on performance trends.
Monitor budget performance against actual on periodical basis and advise the Executive Director accordingly.
Plan and prepare for the Auditing function in The Peace Centre. Ensure responses to audit queries, adaptation and implementation of audit recommendations, especially in regard to systems strengthening. Prepare periodical financial reports to facilitate management, Donors and Board decisions.
Monitor income realization against targets and ensure that manageable funding gaps within the available resources are bridged.
Keep the Executive Director regularly informed of the current financial situation of The Peace Centre.
Ensure The Peace Centre compliance to tax laws, financial regulations and procedures to which she is obliged.
Education and Experience:
Masters in Accounting, Business Administration (Finance), Commerce, Statistics or associated discipline from a reputable institution;
Professional Qualification in ACCA/CPA
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration (Finance), Commerce, Statistics or associated discipline from a reputable institution;
A minimum of ten years’ experience in an NGO, regional or international experience is an advantage.
Experience in QuickBooks accounting package is an added advantage.
Proven strategic planning experience at the management level
Demonstrated interpersonal, creative and critical thinking skills
Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously
Strong communication and presentation skills
High level of financial discipline and integrity
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to meet deadlines with minimum supervision;
To apply, submit a motivation letter and CV demonstrating your suitability by 23rd December 2020 to applications@wipc.org.
Women’s International Peace Centre, formerly Isis-WICCE, is a feminist organization founded in 1974 and based in Kampala, Uganda. Our mission is to ignite women’s leadership, amplify their voices and deepen their impact in recreating peace. Our WEAVE model intersects research (on women’s specific experiences and needs), evidence-based advocacy (to influence national, regional and international policy and practice), holistic healing (to enable women’s wellbeing and participation in peace processes), skills and movement building (to equip WHRDs with necessary skills, build networks and facilitate exchange of strategies to advance women’s leadership for peace.
The Peace Centre works in Africa, Asia, at regional and global level with women war survivors, women human rights defenders, and women’s rights organizations to amplify women’s voices and advocate for policies and programmes tackling the impact of conflict on women and communities using our WEAVE model. The Peace Centre’s current strategic plan (2019-2022) focuses on amplifying the voices and agency of women and women’s rights organisations to build and sustain inclusive peace and security in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, South Sudan and Uganda
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Executive Director, and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the Programme Coordinator (for Burundi, DRC and South Sudan) will manage the implementation of the Peace Centre’s programmes at country level, facilitating linkages with regional and global advocacy and networking.
The Programme Coordinator in each country, will lead project development, management and administration; provide technical assistance, policy advice and support; and facilitate diverse partnerships and mutual capacity strengthening at country level.
They will
Lead implementation of the project within the country of focus in liaison with the Program Manager Develop detailed activity work plans, and manage the implementation of project activities to ensure proper and timely execution to the required standards and guidelines of the organization.
Handle day-to-day management of the programme in country, including effective programme implementation, documenting progress and managing the programme budgets in line with Peace Centre policies.
Manage country-level short-term consultants and provide guidance on substantive and operational issues, to ensure timely achievement of quality outputs.
Manage the Advocacy support desk and provide ongoing support on advocacy to national partners; linking to regional actors and processes; strengthening national capacity for regional advocacy, gender mainstreaming, and influencing on inclusive peace and security priorities
With the support of the Programme Manager, develop training manuals and provide training on regional advocacy, and lobby, on accountability and leadership, on gender and inclusive peace and security, gender transformative programming among other identified needs
Maintain and grow partnerships with key stakeholders at national, regional and global level. Ensure ongoing coordination of programme implementation with partners and other stakeholders including ensuring their involvement to support inclusive and transparent processes
In liaison with the Programme Manager participate in and contribute to monthly, quarterly and other scheduled program planning, progress and performance review exercises.
Participate actively in documentation of success stories, lessons learnt during program implementation and blog writing for information sharing
Prepare monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, annual and final program narrative reports Contribute to the development of the organization’s annual fundraising plan and proposal writing to support program activities
Carry out all procurement and financial accountability in line with The Centre’s guidelines/policies.
Perform any other duty assigned from time to time.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in any of the following areas Peace and Conflict Studies, Gender, Development Studies, Political Science, Social Sciences or any other related fields. A Postgraduate degree will be an added advantage.
Five years of relevant work experience in peace building and conflict management and previous experience working with national and local governments, women’s groups, regional networks.
Diverse knowledge and experience in results-based programme management, monitoring and reporting.
Demonstrated knowledge of peace building and experience in advocacy or influence on the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work as a team player in a multi-disciplinary team with minimum supervision.
To apply, submit a motivation letter and CV demonstrating your suitability by 23rd December 2020 to applications@wipc.org
Women’s International Peace Centre, formerly Isis-WICCE, is a feminist organization founded in 1974 and based in Kampala, Uganda. Our mission is to ignite women’s leadership, amplify their voices and deepen their impact in recreating peace. Our WEAVE model intersects research (on women’s specific experiences and needs), evidence-based advocacy (to influence national, regional and international policy and practice), holistic healing (to enable women’s wellbeing and participation in peace processes), skills and movement building (to equip WHRDs with necessary skills, build networks and facilitate exchange of strategies to advance women’s leadership for peace.
The Peace Centre works in Africa, Asia, at regional and global level with women war survivors, women human rights defenders, and women’s rights organizations to amplify women’s voices and advocate for policies and programmes tackling the impact of conflict on women and communities using our WEAVE model. The Peace Centre’s current strategic plan (2019-2022) focuses on amplifying the voices and agency of women and women’s rights organisations to build and sustain inclusive peace and security in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, South Sudan and Uganda
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Deputy Executive Director, the Programme Manager will work closely with Programme Officers in Burundi, DRC, South Sudan and Uganda to manage the implementation of all the Peace Centre’s programmes.
The Programme Manager will provide strategic direction and leadership in the area of inclusive peace and security; ensure programme development, management, administration and staff development in countries of focus, at regional and global levels. They will
1. Programme Management – Financial, Administrative and Human Resources:
Lead the staff and short-term consultants on substantive and operational issues, to ensure optimal use of financial and human resources to achieve desired results in line with performance standards.
Handle day-to-day management of the programme, including effective programme implementation, documenting progress and managing the programme budgets in line with Peace Centre policies. Ensure delivery of results and resources in time according to set targets.
Undertake the preparation of work plans, narrative and financial reports based on internal and donor guidelines. Ensure compliance with internal and donor requirements
Create an environment for staff development, a culture of results and on-going learning.
Provide strategic advice and direction in addition to developing the strategy documents required for programme planning, implementation and policy
Establish and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders at national, regional and global level.
Ensure proper coordination of programme implementation with partners and other stakeholders including ensuring their involvement to support inclusive and transparent processes
Oversee monitoring and evaluation and ensure on-going documentation and application of Lessons learnt, success stories and best practices.
Education and Experience:
Master’s Degree in social sciences, Human Rights, Gender or Women’s Studies, International Development, Peace and Security or a related field is required
Minimum of 8 years of programme management experience in the field of gender equality, peace and security, development.
Proven experience in managing diverse teams and in results-based management
Demonstrable knowledge of country contexts, regional dynamics and the women, peace and security agenda.
Strong analytical writing and communications skills in English and French.
High level of integrity
To apply, submit a motivation letter and CV demonstrating your suitability by 23rd December 2020 to applications@wipc.org.
The Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa in collaboration with the Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund and Spotlight Initiative are training women as “Peace Brigades” in five communities in Montserrado, Greater Monrovia, Todee, Careysburg, St. Paul River and Commonwealth.
‘Today, as we celebrate a major step forward for our Nation, we pay tribute to the countless women, known and unknown, throughout our history who struggled for equality’ President Donald Trump on celebrating 100 years of Women’s Voting Rights.
This article examines the discursive repetitions and ruptures across Rwanda’s National Action Plans (NAPs) of 2009 and 2018, with specific attention to the dynamics of discursive relations between the two NAPs, and examining whether the language offers openings for alternative interpretations of dominant Rwandan WPS discourses.
IN the 17th Asean-Canada Dialogue, the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) tackled Asia-Pacific regional architecture, the global economic environment, cooperation on countering violent extremism and terrorism, people-to-people exchanges, as well as developments in the bloc and the North American country.
As we celebrate Women’s Month in 2020, the SA Navy charts forward and breaks new ground as a “first for women” had been achieved, a barrier had been broken and all hope of greater transformation has awoken.
Patience Kamara, 25, is a Muslim who is the Assistant Town Chief of Urey Farm community in Careysburg. Patience never thought she would be elected as a community leader at a young age. Now, she is making decisions to protect women’s rights in her community.
Responding to the absence of young women in policy spaces and programming on peace and security, The Peace Centre conducted a 5-day training for 31 young women from Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda. This was conducted from the 17th to 22nd August to empower young women from conflict-affected countries including refugees, university students, activists, community-based organization leaders to be leaders and agents of peace.
Investing in women’s leadership requires a lifecycle approach to strengthening and supporting women’s leadership but it will not only change the trajectory of their future, but that of their communities as well. The institute aimed at enhancing the technical expertise of young women to participate in and influence gender-responsive peace-building processes, to empower young women to act as advocates for women’s rights and gender equality as well as strengthen communication through different avenues. The training comprised of modules on;
Leadership to prepare the young women to learn how to express themselves effectively with confidence, assertiveness, creativity, critical thinking, have influence and negotiate successfully.
Gender and Peace Building to provide an introduction to ‘gender’ as an integral concept that shapes our understanding of peace. Drawing on definitions of gender, the module will incrementally make connections between gender, conflict, peace and security.
Creative Activism, through communication to strengthen participants’ communication skills and advocacy through art.
Participants will be expected to apply the newly acquired knowledge and skills through the implementation of a social action plan into their own community settings.
Countries in the Great Lakes Region should support women entrepreneurs if they hope to recover faster from the COVID-19 pandemic, participants at a recent regional consultative round-table virtual dialogue on economic empowerment of women.
International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Alvin Botes is expected to address a virtual dialogue on silencing the guns. The 2020 dialogue is hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in collaboration with UN Women (South Africa Multi-Country Office), the Embassy of Switzerland and the Embassy of Norway.
In 2019, female honourable members of Parliament of the Sierra Leone Parliament were engaged in the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. In the outcry of the COVID-19, what has been slower to emerge is how regulations and bye-laws instituted could embrace gender specific issues that affect women.
Ahead of the United Nations Security Council’s High Level Review on Women, Peace and Security, Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls calls for more to be done to support women’s participation in conflict and post-conflict decision-making and to ensure women’s protection in these situations.
The UAE underscored that the UN and its Member States must take a holistic approach to peace and security as the impacts of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic continue to highlight the need for a strong international response. This was in a written statement to the UN Security Council for its open debate on pandemics and the challenges to peacebuilding and sustaining peace.
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has announced that national peace and security will be the thematic focus of the web edition of the seventh Lagos Public Relations Stakeholders’ Conference, holding on Thursday, August 27, 2020.
ANC Party leader Musalia Mudavadi during the launch of the association of Women in Safety Excellence (WISE), urged Parliament to expedite the enactment of the two-thirds gender rule to address issues revolving around gender inequality in the country.
The Peace Centre with funding support from Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund / Spotlight with technical support from UN Women is implementing a project Leading Voices: Strengthening Capacities for Gender Based Violence Prevention and Peace Building in Humanitarian Context in Adjumani district – Uganda. A project that intends to strengthen the leadership capacity and influence of local women leaders and women groups across refugee settlement and host community at Sub County level in Adjumani district to work together to address Violence Against Women, Women’s specific Peace and Security concerns as well as effectively influence peace building and decision making processes to advance gender equality in humanitarian setting using SASA Together methodology.
To equip the staff with knowledge and skills on SASA Together model, The Peace Centre conducted a 4 days’ refresher training of trainers for 18 staff members from 3rd to 6th August. The training enhanced the capacity of staff to implement the project using SASA Together methodology. Staff were able to identify key strategies and stakeholders to engage during the implementation, action plan to roll out the project was developed, staff gained learnt to integrate sustainability, learning and assessment right from the project start. The SASA Model has been modernized into a new model called SASA! Together a community mobilization approach to prevent Violence Against Women (VAW). SASA! means “NOW”, and it emphasizes the need for urgent action towards VAW whereas Together maintains that change is possible through collaborative effort.
The speedy implementation of commitments to Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) has yet again been emphasized in a Declaration and Call for Action between the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
It is time to turn the tables on this blame culture and put it exactly where it belongs — at the feet of the perpetrators and the belief systems and myths that prop up victim blaming.
How to Elevate Rohingya Women’s Voices amid a Crackdown on the Coronavirus. Sanctions were a good first step toward levying consequences for the Burmese military’s egregious actions against the Rohingya, but the United States has still stopped short of recognizing those actions as genocide and crimes against humanity.
Amid the debate last week over the merits of travelling to Washington for the annual AUSMIN talks and donning face masks during a global pandemic, the defence and foreign ministers of Australia and the United States delivered a direct and persuasive joint statement.
The Albanian organization, Women Center for Development and Culture (WCDC) was part of a meeting between the civil society members of the international network WASL (Women Alliance for Security leadership) and the UN Security Council current and future 18 members.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is urging China to ‘lead the reform of the global governance system’ and to ‘actively participate in the formulation of international rules’. Such statements suggest that we now should be able to gain better insight into Beijing’s vision for the world order.
The goal of feminist foreign policies — exemplified by Sweden — is to approach every issue through the lens of how they impact women, and to understand the knock-on effects that detrimental circumstances for women have on overall human development, health, economic advancement, and global security.
In Nigeria Nasarawa State, government has domesticated the UN Security Council Resolution 1, 2, 3 and 5 on women, peace and security. Governor Abdullahi Sule said at the occasion that his administration’s objective was in line with the action plan to incorporate women into the security structures of the government.
This week, the Permanent Missions of the United Arab Emirates and Canada to the United Nations and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, GIWPS, hosted a high-level virtual panel discussion on advancing women’s access to justice in post-conflict settings.
In her prepared remarks, Stephanie Hammond, acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for stability and humanitarian affairs, gave an overview of how the Defense Department is implementing the Women, Peace, and Security Act and Strategy at a July 23 hearing of the House Oversight and Reform Committee’s national security subcommittee.
Emergency action should address the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on women, campaigners have said. A Covid-19 Feminist Recovery Plan considers the economic, health, social and cultural impact of the disease and calls on the Executive to implement policies on key issues like childcare and low-paid work.
COVID-19 and conflict: Advancing women’s meaningful participation in ceasefires and peace processes (Policy Brief No. 19). This brief addresses the importance of women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation to an effective pandemic response and to peacemaking efforts, and how the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda can provide a critical framework for inclusive decision-making and sustainable solutions.
The Women’s Policy Group (WPG), which represents the interests of women in Northern Ireland, today launched its COVID-19 Feminist Recovery Plan detailing how the pandemic has affected women and setting out recommendations to address gender inequality in Northern Ireland.
On 14 July the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted its third resolution on youth, peace and security. Youth issues will now be a regular item on the council’s agenda. This was a welcome step in overcoming historical disagreement among members on the scope and nature of the youth agenda on the council.
Under-Secretary of the United Nations Zainab Hawa Bangura is the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), a position she has held since 30 December 2019. In this interview with Africa Renewal’s Kingsley Ighobor, Ms. Bangura discusses gender and youth empowerment, the AU’s “Silencing the Guns by 2020” initiative, among other issues.
“Despite the current difficult situation confronting us, we believe it is important to remain steadfast in our resolve to highlight issues facing women of our country.” Speech by the Minister in the Presidency for Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. The launch of Women’s Months 2020 – 30 July 2020, GCIS Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria.
The Peace Centre, in partnership with Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and National Transformational Leadership Institute conducted a five-day training for 21 young women on women, peace and security from 27th to 31st July 2020 to strengthen young women’s leadership skills, equip them to gather information, conduct gendered analysis of current peace and security issues and engage in advocacy for the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda.
Session One focused on the key Concepts on Gender, Transformational Leadership, Peace Building and Conflict Management. The objective of the session was to familiarise participants and develop a common understanding of the meaning of terms that would be used throughout the training. Participants were asked to recall their early childhood days and share what age they discovered that they were girls and not boys. A number of issues were raised that helped to explain the meaning of various terms including sex, gender and gender roles: • Many discovered their gender when they were four to six years old, through what their parents said or forbid them to do. For example, being forbidden to bathe together with boys or use a common toilet in school or squatting while urinating, instead of standing. • Others discovered gender roles when they were assigned to assist their mothers in the kitchen, and other household chores, while their brothers were playing with other boys or doing other roles assigned to men in their communities
Through this discussion, a distinction was made between sex and gender and how socialisation can affect women’s presence and participation in the public arena. The facilitator further explained how culture and unequal opportunities availed to men and women could result in discrimination, oppression or exclusion of women in nation building.
Day two kicked off with a session on conflict mapping and analysis, as well as non-violent conflict resolution strategies which focused on dialogue and mediation. Participants defined what conflicts look like in their communities conflict y issues such as land disputes, cattle raiding, domestic violence etc. Using a Conflict triangle, the session facilitator Dr. Angelina Bazugba demonstrated how conflict occurs and noted the contradictions, attitudes involved and the behaviour of different individuals or parties to the conflict. Key factors contributing to the conflict in South Sudan were discussed. Consequently, various conflict resolution strategies were explored. Emphasis was placed on non-violent strategies including dialogue, negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
Day 3 covered roleplays on conflict resolution. The first role-play was about land grabbing. The grabber lived on the land for a long time before the real owner of the land showed up. Both of them had legal titles, but the grabber threatened to kill the real owner. The case was reported to the community leader who in response called a meeting to resolve the conflict. The meeting involved the Minister for Housing, City Council, Police, community members and the media. The objective of the meeting was to bring two conflicting people to dialogue and find a peaceful solution. The meeting resolved to return the land to the rightful owner with compensation while the grabber was given some money that is equivalent to what was invested on the land. The second role play was on mediation. Key issues emerging from the roleplays included Gender based violence, inheritance of women, girl child denied rights to live with her mother, Power struggles in cultural context, Access and ownership of resources among others.
During the session that covered the Women Peace and Security Agenda, participants were familiarised with key institutional frameworks that support women’s role in the women, peace and security agenda and to discuss national, regional and international frameworks advocating for gender equality. Frameworks highlighted included; The Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, Beijing Platform for Action, UNSCR 1325: The United Nations Security Council Resolution based on the four pillars of prevention, protection, participation, relief and recovery. Participants were encouraged to understand these documents for effective advocacy and lobbying on women’s rights.
This session introduced Mentorship, Confidence Building and Coaching, as well as inter-generational dialogue as key strategies for supporting young women leaders and aspirants. Women leaders namely Hon. Rebecca Joshua Okwasi, the former Minister for Roads and Bridges, Ms. Esther Soma from UN Women, and Ms. Rita Lopidia the Executive Director of Eve Organisation shared their leadership journeys and experiences.
The session was on wellness, self-care and personal development was facilitated by Hope Chigudu, a mentor and coauthor of the Healing through Rituals guide for sustaining wellness and activism and shared selfcare tips with the Young Women. Hope emphasised that women struggle everywhere with issues because women are not well grounded in the right information about themselves. Women must talk about their issues openly and get the help they need.
The last session covered action plan development and as young transformational leaders they were asked to identify at least two major advocacy activities which they could do to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from the training.
Women’s International Peace Centre plans to conduct research in South Sudan, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a regional Great lake study. The research is aimed to deepen our understanding of what has worked for the peace and Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) movement in the East African region.
The year 2020 marks a significant anniversary of major women’s rights frameworks including The Beijing Platform for Action and The UNSCR1325 at the global level and the end of the African Women’s decade and supposedly the year of silencing the guns in Africa. Despite the progress made towards achieving gender equality and sustainable peace more still needs to be done as conflict is changing forms with increasingly high incidences of conflict-related sexual violence. The women’s movement has been at the forefront of campaigning for peace and the end of sexual and gender-based violence. It is time to review the extent to which the women’s movement has contributed to peacebuilding and campaigns to end sexual violence using the case study method.
Request for Expression of Interest The Peace Centre invites eligible and qualified individuals to indicate their interest to produce reflective research on “Peacebuilding and ending Gender-Based Violence Movement in the Great Lakes Region”. Interested country based consultants must provide information indicating their competency and indicate their budgetary expenses.
Specific Objectives of the research i. To examine the evolution of the peace and SGBV movement and the factors that lead to its successes. ii. To assess the role of philanthropy in supporting the movement. iii. To understand how peace and SGBV movements increase strength and influence, survived in the face of attacks, and/or emerged to fuel resistance.
Methodology The researchers will be expected to propose a methodology that is suitable for the research subject.
Assignment Description: Duties and Responsibilities: i. Prepare inception report including research design, work plan and study tools. ii. Prepare a draft research report. iii. Present findings and analysis to The Peace Centre.
Required Skills and Experience: i. Demonstrated experience in research on peace and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) movement in the East African region. ii. Excellent written and oral communication skills. iii. Researchers must be Bi-lingual iv. Critical thinking and analysis v. Time Management vi. Experience in research on women & SGBV will be an added advantage.
Application Requirements: Application document, stating the method of work, research method and research questions. Curriculum Vitae, samples of past related research, proposed budget and schedule.
Please note; Applicants can submit as individual consultants, groups of consultants or as institutions for any of the countries specified and for the regional case study.
Application Process Expression of Interest clearly marked “Expression of Interest to conduct research on ‘Peacebuilding and ending Gender-Based Violence Movement in the Great Lakes can be submitted as a soft copy through email address program@wipc.org on or before 5 pm EAT on Wednesday 5th August 2020. Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.
Interview with Adeline Sede Kamga is the Founder/CEO of FabAfriq Media Group, a Creative and Innovative Marketing and communication agency with offices in the UK and Cameroon operating both in Europe and Africa
This year marked the start of the United Nations’ Decade of Delivery, where we were promised that things would change for the empowerment of women and girls. But instead of keeping our promise to protect and empower women and girls, in Nigeria in 2020, we are still burying them.
THE UN Women Executive Director, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, has called on African ministers of gender and women’s affairs to advocate for gendered national response strategies that will save lives and effectively address the multi-layered impacts of Covid-19 on women and girls.
From 19th to 25th June 2020, The Peace Centre facilitated the meeting of District Peace Committee meetings that had a total of 142 (42 females and 100 males) participants. The meetings provided platforms where Women Peace Mediators presented women peace and security concerns including; the impact of COVID 19 on women, increasing conflicts in the project districts that called for the safety of women and girls, spaces for women’s participation in peacebuilding, peace meetings and complete disarmament, protection of the unprotected kraals, tracking and recovery of stolen animals, need to resume peace initiatives since the Warriors took advantage of the lockdown and conflicts escalated.
The meetings discussed and agreed on strategies of ensuring conflict early warning and early response systems are functional at the District level. As a result, increased realisation and collective action by District Peace Committees on Women Peace and Security concerns were registered, for example Yumbe District offered radio talk show time for the Women Peace Mediators to profile Women Peace and Security concerns as well as hold duty bearers accountable. The disarmament process was initiated in Kotido.
The Women Mediators Networks also met monthly during this period in Panyangara, Nakapelemoro, Rengen and Kotido Municipal within Kotido district and in Yumbe and Adjumani Districts. They have been engaged in documenting and reporting violations associated with COVID-19 containment measures including sexual and physical violence.
In June, women leaders who were trained by the Peace Centre, Karibu Jeunesse Nouvelle (KJN) and Association des Femmes des Medias (AFEM) on practical strategies to promote women’s participation in post-conflict governance in 2019 were interviewed to track their progress. The training aimed at strengthening the capacity of women leaders to engage in and influence post-conflict decision-making and governance as well as demand accountability from policymakers towards actualizing the meaningful inclusion of women in governance and decision making in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Since 2019 the trained women leaders, have held community awareness sessions and dialogues on the need for women’s participation at all decision-making levels; the rights and responsibilities for women and girls, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and also mitigated land conflicts. The awareness sessions also targeted schools and Universities, encouraging young women to join politics, to position themselves in leadership structures and the political system in preparation for the 2023 legislative elections. As a result, 5 young women joined the communication unit of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress Party (UDPS).
Thanks to Bukavu’s training, I feel very equipped and reassured. When my UDPS Party was coming to implant up in my community, I used all the strategies learnt to position myself. I grab a strategic position in this party, I am now the President of the party’s women’s league in my locality. Now it is me who will be identifying and recruiting other women to join and advocate for their interests. Bora – Elysée
Although women constitute the highest statistic demographically compared to men (52%), this has not been influential in terms of their political participation. Several factors justify this including; traditional and cultural barriers with their consequences on women’s perceptions and self-esteem and gender-based violence; poverty and illiteracy, insufficient resources allocated to women’s leadership structures and weak coordination of women’s organizations, Persistent discrimination against women in the legal framework and non-compliance, instability, political tensions and the existence of conflict zones (Kasai, Tanganyika, South Kivu, North Kivu, Ituri). In light of this situation, the training contributed to the awareness of women leaders in South Kivu on this situation and build their capacities and skills to improve on their representation.
The women leaders at the June 2019 training institute not only learnt more about transformation leadership, women’s political leadership and UNSCR 1325 but they also shared their experiences as women’s rights activists, the lessons from their work in their communities as well the benefit of their leadership experiences both good and bad. During this institute, they strengthened their network of women leaders in the province.
The Peace Centre, Karibu Jeunesse Nouvelle (KJN) and Association des Femmes des Medias (AFEM) work in partnership to strengthen women’s capacity as change agents in peace building and post-conflict governance in South Kivu, Eastern D.R.C. On 29th May an online meeting was held for partners to assess the current situation as impacted by COVID-19, understand the implications for planned activities and agree on a way forward. With a steep increase in gender-based violence, women’s exclusion from decision-making on COVID-19 response and limited access to information on preventive measure, the partners agreed to prioritise addressing these issues. As a result, the meeting defined future activities to include, translating key messages on COVD-19 prevention into local languages, radio talk shows and community meetings by women peace builders to sensitise the public on COVID-19. The Peace Centre also committed to conduct a training webinar on wellness and self-care to support the wellbeing and work of women human rights defenders (WHRDs) in Bukavu.
On 16th June, the Peace Centre and National Alliance for Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD) Nepal also held an online meeting to discuss the current COVID-19 dynamics and prepare for the upcoming training of Deputy Mayors and District Vice Chairpersons in Kathmandu on gender budgeting, gender-responsive district planning and wellness under the theme Transformed Leadership for Transformation. The partners agreed on a timeline and methodology for the planned profiling of the work and impact of the institute’s alumnae in Nepal since 2007 including the previously trained Deputy Mayors and District Vice-Chairpersons.
2020 marks the sixth global annual International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. This year has been particularly challenging for the entire world with the COVID-19 pandemic but much more for women and girls’ refugees, who are already living in very difficult circumstances with limited access to social services and livelihood options. COVID-19 and the measures put in place by governments to curb its spread has led to increased human rights violations and particularly painfully, to sexual violence against refugee women and girls’. Despite the March 23, 2020, global call for ceasefire by the UN Secretary-General, conflicts have continued in many countries exposing women and girls to displacements and increased risk of sexual violence. This is not to say that it is absent in so-called peaceful countries; in fact, sexual violence has increased globally due to COVID-19. This blog discusses sexual violence against refugees women and girls in the time of COVID-19.
Globally the extent of conflict-related sexual violence is not known as a result of underreporting associated with stigma and intimidation of survivors, lack of adequate response mechanisms for survivors and reporting barriers[1] particularly for refugee women and girls. The United Nations Secretary General’s report on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) indicates that both state and non-state actors are responsible for sexual violence, which has been used to displace communities[2]. We see examples across conflict-affected Africa. In South Sudan, allied militia raped women and girls as part of a campaign to drive opponents out of southern Unity State. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Twa and Luba militia used sexual violence as a means of repression, terror and control. In Burundi, armed actors gang-raped and sexually humiliated detainees perceived as political opponents. In Nigeria, sexual violence has been used as a tactic of terrorism as women and girls have been targeted for abduction and sexual abuse by extremist groups[3].
Women and girls forcibly displaced by conflict and seeking refuge from violence remain at risk. In refugee situations data on the true prevalence of sexual and gender based violence during COVID-19 is lacking. However, preliminary data obtained from the Women’s International Peace Centre-trained Women Peace Mediators provides the nature, causes and responses to sexual violence against women and girls in refugee contexts in West Nile, northern Uganda. The most prevalent cases include defilement, early and forced marriages, survival sex and domestic violence.
Defilement: in the month of April and May, Women Peace Mediators reported seven (7) defilement cases involving girls aged 14 to 17 years in Zones 1, 3 & 5 in Yumbe and Maaji refugee camps in Adjumani. Two of the perpetrators were arrested, one ran away and the other is negotiating to marry the victim. There has been no follow up with the cases as the police is more concerned with ensuring that the population adhere to COVID-19 lockdown rules. Some parents due to shame and stigma prefer to negotiate with the perpetrator to marry the victim and earn money from bridal dowry. In some cases, parents falsify the age of their daughters by increasing it to 18 years or above so she is forced to marry the perpetrator.
Forced marriages: Six (6) cases of young girls forced to marry during COVID-19 have been reported in Nyumanzi refugee resettlement. Many parents who cannot afford to take care of their families are forcing young girls to marry and limiting their opportunity to finish school. Another reported case of forced marriage is of a 17-year-old girl who was raped by a 23-year-old man, and has been forced to marry the perpetrator. This situation is made worse by limited access to health care services in the refugee settlements. The Women Peace Mediators were able to refer the survivor for emergency post-rape medical care and counselling. The social norms and practices impede access to justice for these young women rape survivors by pushing for marriages to the perpetrator
In April 2020 the World Food Programme announced reduction in food ration for over 1.4million refugees in Uganda, South Sudan DRC and Burundi due to COVID-19[4]. This has led to increased domestic violence among refugees in northern Uganda as food rations have been reduced from 12kg to 8kg which is barely enough for families. Due to restricted movement many cannot go out to work and earn additional money to provide for the family, the lack of enough food is leading to tensions within the household and domestic violence against women from men demanding for food or who sell off the ration received to supplement for other household needs. In Bidibidi settlement in Yumbe District, the Women Peace Mediators recorded thirty-six (36) domestic violence cases in April and forty-two (42) cases in May 2020.
Survival sex: Many young women have fallen prey to older men who are offering money for items such as sanitary pads, food and panties. This is because a lot of families cannot afford these basic items due to high poverty levels particularly among refugees who do not have access to paid work or diverse livelihood sources. In addition, with the lockdown and limited movement opportunities to earn a living are squashed even further. Young women who get pregnant often engage in unsafe abortions, as there is limited access to reproductive health services, thus exposing them to further reproductive health risks and in some cases, or death.
The main challenges from the forgoing are that COVID-19 is increasing poverty and vulnerabilities of refugee women and girls to sexual and gender based violence. Yet, little attention is paid to this horrendous impact of COVID-19. Most of the resources for COVID-19 are being used to ensure security, thus replicating responses in traditional conflict or crisis setting where attention is paid to securing the borders and amassing tools to enforce state security at the expense of human security.
As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict all stakeholders must ensure women and girls refugees are safe and live in dignity. To achieve this, it is important that humanitarian response ensure enough food is available for refugees. Interventions working to reduce and eliminate sexual violence need to be scaled up to ensure deterrence and end impunity, perpetrators must be apprehended and penalised to ensure justice for victims. Responses by all actors should take a holistic approach that addresses the socio economic needs of refugee women and girls . In addition, all COVID-19 committees at all levels should include refugees women and girls to ensure their needs and concerns are taken into account in all decision-making and implementation of the response including post COVID-19 planning.
Between 6th and 10th June, The Peace Centre partnered with District Local Governments of Lira, Soroti, Gulu, Arua, Kotido and civil society partners (Teso Women’s Peace Activists (TEWPA) in Tubur, Soroti, Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA) in Panyangar, Kotido, Refugee Law Project in Awach-Paibona, Gulu, African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET) in Ogur, Lira and Uganda Victims Foundation in Dadamu, Arua to conduct 5 community dialogues at sub-county level on Transitional Justice. These gathered 75 local leaders and community members (especially women and victims’ representatives) to raise awareness of the Transitional Justice Policy, reflect on the radio poll questions, discuss key post-conflict concerns and make specific recommendations to leaders.
These community dialogues provided an opportunity for off-air discussions with community members whose voices were typically excluded from radio discussions and responses to polls, which required access to mobile phones, radio, and time away from domestic tasks occurring during radio prime time. Specifically, the dialogues sought to engage, capture and amplify the voices of victims/survivors at the grassroots level, including typically excluded groups such as women and persons with disability to discuss their post-conflict concerns and engage their leaders to take action.
The Kotido Resident District Commissioner, Chief Accounting Officer and Regional Police Inspector provided an update on compensation cases, acknowledged challenges in the justice system and committed to following up on documented violations such as cattle raids, domestic violence and gender-based violence to ensure action is taken and provide updates. In Lira, the Community Development Officer and LC 3 Chair person committed to engage cultural leaders and Parish Chiefs to follow up on the cases of evicted formerly abducted women and children in Ogur sub-county and ensure their return to the land.
The Peace Centre on 12th June joined the African Union Youth Envoy, the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Zimbabwe Young Women’s Network for Peace Building and ACCORD South Africa to discuss conflict prevention and mitigation as well as the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the strategies and work of women and young women peacebuilders. The online conversation included reflections on how the women, peace and security and youth peace and security frameworks can be used to tackle the impact of COVID-19.
COVID-19 has taught us to rethink the Youth Peace and Security Agenda to the Youth, Peace and Development agenda. Exclusion of youth has not worked and we need to move the narrative from youth as perpetrators of violence to youth as agents of Peace.- Aya Chebbi, AU Youth Envoy
It is time we change the approach to peacebuilding; we need to make sure that there is a deliberate and conscious effort that Women Peace and Security is equal to the Youth Peace and Security agenda. We must not replicate the discrimination against women to young women.- Helen Kezie-Nwoha, Executive Director, Women’s International Peace Centre
The only way that we will be able to deliver on the Youth Peace and Security agenda and the Women Peace and Security agenda is when we come together. But this will require Africa’s Governments to help us overcome divides created by weak infrastructure. – Verlaine-Diane Soobroydoo, Policy Advisor on Women Peace and Security Focal Person, African Women Leaders Network.
We need to be inclusive and understand the unique challenges and opportunities for grassroots organising- Pravina Makan-Lakha,, General Manager Operations, ACCORD.
The need to engage more of the grassroots community youth mediators especially young women to build sustainable peace is the way to go.- Natasha Mutuwa, Coordinator, Young Women’s Network for Peace.
The Peace Centre shared from the experience of on-going work with women peacebuilders and Women Mediators Networks in refugee settlements and hosting districts in Uganda. Participants in the dialogue also discussed the impact of the pandemic on the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and explored opportunities to develop resilience and move the WPS agenda forward.
Uganda currently hosts over 1.4million refugees and asylum seekers under her open-door policy according to Uganda Comprehensive Refugee Portal. 82% of them are women and children and approximately 61.8% of all refugees are from South Sudan. COVID-19 has forced a lot of changes to the world we live in. Refugees already far away from home, are having to cope with lockdown restrictions, food reductions amidst the pandemic. They face immense and unique challenges that make some communities more vulnerable to infectious diseases – from living in close quarters to lack of clean water for handwashing. This pandemic, therefore, presents a worrying situation for the refugees in Uganda as the country is under lockdown; social distancing is almost impossible, food distribution and access to necessities such as health care are curtailed by the movement restrictions resulting from the lockdown and evening curfews hence worsening the pre-existing challenges in settlements.
“Covid 19 lockdowns and quarantines seem to be reducing crime rates outside. But inside- at home- increased rates of domestic abuse are a reminder of another kind of global pandemic; violence against women and children. “ Mona Elthaway
As COVID-19 threatens refugee settlements around the world, it is becoming more urgent to listen to the voices of women to better understand their needs and coping strategies during this period. Listen to our mini-podcast series that gives you a brief look in the world of the refugee women coping and surviving COVID-19 in Nyumanzi and Bidibidi settlements in Uganda here
“I have been appointed to several leadership positions within the Government of South Sudan in part because of the support and work of Isis-WICCE.”
Prof. Amina Mama(Nigeria/UK)
“In my own teaching on women’s movements these cases are very useful. We urgently need more of this kind of work- I strongly recommend this report and its collaborative strategy as a very good model for other national studies on women’s political participation.”
Anne-Grace Nakasi(Uganda)
“They wondered how nine men could sleep with me and I could still talk. The greatest part of the project was enabling us to tell and write our stories. This has been very energising. We have regained our self-esteem and more women in the community want to be open about their HIV status so they can join us to get these benefits. We are no longer reviled by the community and I am now a Local Councillor.”
Bernice T Dahn(Liberia)
“The manual on Management of Medical and Psychological Effects of War Trauma is a very useful reference tool for continued response to women survivors issues. Isis-WICCE brought in a team of experts that trained our own team. This was a clear case of south-south cooperation. [The Ministry of Gender] used the research findings to fundraise for our GBV programmes.”
Josee KusinzaDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
“I went out like a bushfire to respond to the challenges women faced in Eastern Congo. The institute challenged me to see things in a different way and to take action. As a result, I was one of the initiators of COCAFEM (a network of womens associations in the Great Lakes) to respond to the regional challenges.”
Pooja Bhatarai (Nepal)
“I found myself. The Isis-WICCE-WOREC feminist institute
helped me embark on the journey of transformation. It equipped me with
practical skills to document cases of different forms of violence
against women and analyse them with a feminist lens.”
