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Author: Patience Nakiranda

Annual Reports
Patience Nakiranda

2023 Annual Report

2023 was a year of rethinking and refining our strategy for advancing Feminist peace, drawing on lessons provided by our 50 years of programming experience. From grassroots movements in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda demanding inclusion, justice, and accountability to regional and global initiatives advocating for gender-sensitive policies, the Peace Centre aims to remain a beacon of hope and resilience for women in conflict and post-conflict situations. Our focus is on promoting and demonstrating how feminist frameworks make a difference in preventing and resolving conflict and sustaining peace at the local, regional, and
global levels.

Throughout 2023, our focus remained on amplifying women’s voices and promoting their leadership in conflict and post-conflict contexts. Our successes in 2023 are a testament to the dedication and resilience of our team, and the unwavering support of our valued  partners. As we dig into this report, we urge each of you to reflect on the impact of our collective efforts and consider how these can be advanced in 2024, celebrate the courage and resilience of women peacebuilders across Africa, and acknowledge the transformative power of feminist solidarity and collaboration.

Download: WIPC_ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Policy Briefs
Patience Nakiranda

Feminist Perspectives on Socio-Economic, Post- Conflict Recovery and Peacebuilding

Post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding require innovative, diverse approaches to ensure sustainable peace and socioeconomic development. Despite frameworks like CEDAW and the Beijing Declaration, the gendered impacts of
conflicts and women’s roles in peace processes have long been overlooked. In response to advocacy by women’s movements, the UN adopted Security Council Resolution 1325 on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda in 2000.
Yet, the vulnerabilities and significant contributions of women in these processes remain under recognised, underscoring the need to better integrate them for effective and lasting peacebuilding efforts.

At the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), Cordaid’s Just Future Alliance partner, the Women’s International Peace Centre (WIPC), organised two key parallel events. The first event featured representatives from women’s rights organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Iraq, who discussed the often-overlooked role of women in the socio economic recovery of post-conflict societies.
The second event explored the importance of a progressive taxation system in reducing poverty through a gender-transformative approach. The events offered a solid foundation to advocate for incorporating feminist approaches into peacebuilding and poverty alleviation strategies that prioritise women’s needs,
such as enhanced livelihoods and reparations.

The testimonials from women human rights defenders from the different conflict affected settings included meaningful recommendations for governments, donors and national civil society

Read Policy Brief: Feminist Peacebuilding Policy Brief (Document (A4)) (1)

Policy Briefs
Patience Nakiranda

In 2019, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) underwent its third Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the United Nations Human Rights Council, receiving a series of recommendations aimed at improving the country’s human rights landscape. To assess the implementation of these recommendations, 120 Congolese Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), supported by the JUST FUTURE program, compiled an alternative report. This comprehensive evaluation provides crucial insights into the progress and challenges faced by the DRC in upholding human rights.

Key themes addressed in the report include; Civic Space and Human Rights Defender (HRD) Protection, Peace Process and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Assistance, Women’s and Youth Participation in Peace Processes and Elections and Transitional Justice, Impunity, and Corruption.

The alternative UPR report underscores the critical role of civil society in monitoring and advocating for the implementation of UPR recommendations. Enhanced collaboration between the DRC government and CSOs is essential to drive progress in human rights, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance.

Download: UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW ALTERNATIVE REPORT

Other Publications
Patience Nakiranda

Strengthening Women’s Participation in Conflict Prevention in South Sudan

This feature is a narration highlighting the crucial role of women in fostering peace. It encompasses success stories, participant testimonies, and the project’s impact on community development and policy change. Focusing on women’s empowerment and their influential role in conflict resolution, this feature provides a comprehensive overview of our peacebuilding initiative’s achievements, challenges, and the transformative journey of women leaders in Wau, South Sudan.

Read: Strengthening Women’s Participation in Conflict Prevention in South Sudan 2024

Opinion Piece
Patience Nakiranda

WellBeing in Feminist Activism

“Have you ever felt like you could take over the world and do it all? That surge of energy where you’re operating at what we might call ‘high voltage’. But how do we harness this energy without burning out? Discover the secrets to keeping your activism alive and your spirit ignited. Dive into simple, transformative strategies that ensure you thrive—not just survive—in our quest for change. Ready to light up the world without dimming your spark? Join us in exploring how.”
Latest News
Patience Nakiranda

Celebration As Kotido District Launches Its Local Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, Kotido District launched its Local Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security on 28 March 2024. The much anticipated day of celebration commenced with a parade match with  different members of the local community amounting up to 1500 people, 70% of which were women eagerly matching around the town 

Read More “Celebration As Kotido District Launches Its Local Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.”

Latest News
Patience Nakiranda

Women Leaders Convening to Strategise Inclusion of 35% Quota in Political Party Constitutions and Regulations in South Sudan

During the Women’s Month of MARCH, South Sudanese, women leaders of political parties, civil society coalitions and media houses convened to dialogue on enshrining 35% Quota in the political party constitutions and regulations of their leadership statutes.

The two day meeting took place between the 27th and 28th March 2024, in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

As a country South Sudan is preparing to hold its first elections since 2011, which are scheduled to be held in December 2024, it enacted the Nation Elections Act 2023 that allocated 35% representation to women.

There have been widespread speculations and doubt as to whether or not South Sudan will be able to hold free and fair elections. Alongside the sceptics, there is enthusiasm for sustainable peace.

One of the meeting objectives was to develop a robust advocacy document for 35% women's inclusion in party manifestos, ensuring sustainable peace and; inclusive governance raising important points such as resource mobilization is essential for women’s success in electoral processes and from grassroots
fundraising to government support.

Sessions included brainstorming innovative strategies to ensure financial backing for women candidates to compete effectively.
Now I pose these questions to you?
How can we strengthen coordination among women in leadership positions?
 Form alliances to advance women's interests
 Stand in solidarity & support one another
 Offer mentorship to women leaders
 Develop inclusive programs for women at all levels.

 Unite for national agendas

Latest News
Patience Nakiranda

Civil Society Organizations Trained to Develop Shadow Report on DRC’s Adherence to UPR Recommendations

 

As the DRC prepares to report on its third phase of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, The Peace Centre, in collaboration with Cordaid and the Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (CSPPS), recently conducted training sessions for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across four provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The objective was to collect date data and prepare a CSO shadow report on the country’s adherence to previous Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations.

The training covered four key themes, focusing on issues such as civil space, human rights protection, peace processes, assistance to internally displaced persons, and mechanisms of transitional justice. Over the course of the three-day workshops in Kinshasa, Goma, Bunia, and Bukavu, representatives from at least thirty organizations engaged in discussions and data collection related to these topics.

Through consultations and online sessions, the collected data was further analyzed and enriched by experts. An Adhoc Committee comprising five experts was then tasked with compiling the data into a comprehensive report to be submitted to the United Nations Council for Human Rights.

Find Report Here: UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW

Rapport Alternatif EPU RDC_Mars 2024_Just Future RDCVF (1)

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