Wellbeing is the InfraStructure for our Resistance

A Piece by Latifah Namutebi

Wellbeing is no longer a luxury or an after thought, it is the very infrastructure of our resistance. The terrain we are navigating has shifted: it is faster, heavier, more personal. The pressure is not imagined; it is engineered. From digital surveillance to emotional burnout, the systems we are resisting have become more sophisticated, more invasive—and yet, the expectations placed upon us have only grown.

To lead. To show up. To hold space. To keep going.

And when we can’t, we are met not with care, but with silence, guilt, or fear.

This piece begins with that truth. That the work of liberation, of justice, of community care, is happening under immense pressure—and that if we do not center wellbeing as a core strategy, we will be broken by the very forces we seek to dismantle.

 

 

 

Download blog here: WELLBEING IS THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF OUR RESISTANCE

Press Café in Bujumbura: Advocating for Women’s Inclusion in Burundi’s New Communal Governance Structures

Bujumbura, May 6, 2025Press Cafe; A high arena for advocacy held at City Hill Hotel, where women’s voices, leadership, and rights took center stage in a national dialogue on governance reforms.

The event organized by the Women’s International Peace Centre (WIPC) in partnership with Association des Femmes Rapatriés du Burundi (AFRABU), brought together a cross-section of the media, civil society organizations, and gender experts to engage on the need to integrate women’s perspectives into policy frameworks shaping local leadership.

Read More “Press Café in Bujumbura: Advocating for Women’s Inclusion in Burundi’s New Communal Governance Structures”

Reimagining Sudan’s Peace Agenda With Women ForeFront

Sudan’s ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has brought unprecedented suffering to the population, with devastating consequences for women and girls. Despite these grim realities, Sudanese women have demonstrated remarkable resilience, often leading community-based initiatives to maintain social cohesion and advocate for peace. However, systemic barriers, including patriarchal norms and militarized governance, continue to exclude them from formal decision-making and peace processes. This exclusion undermines the legitimacy and sustainability of peace initiatives, further marginalizing the very individuals most affected by the conflict.

The brief argues that genuine inclusion of women in peacebuilding is not a favor but a moral and political obligation essential for sustainable solutions. It advocates for transformative approaches that prioritize women’s agency, leadership in shaping Sudan’s future. It offers targeted recommendations to dismantle systemic barriers, enhance women’s representation in decision-making, and ensure that gender-sensitive responses are embedded in peacebuilding and recovery efforts.

Download Policy Brief (EN): Reimagining Sudan’s Peace Agenda With Women ForeFront

Call For: Communications Volunteers

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Position: Communications Volunteer (2 Positions)
Duration: 6 months
Location: Bulindo, Kira
Reporting to: Communications Officer

About Women’s International Peace Centre

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 creating peace. Our WEAVE model intersects research, evidence-based advocacy, holistic healing, skills, and movement-building to advance women’s leadership for peace. The Peace Centre works in Africa and Asia, at a 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 addressing the impact of conflict on women and communities.

Background

In 2025, the Women’s International Peace Centre marks a significant milestone, 30 years of Amplifying Women’s Voice and Power across Africa and globally. To celebrate this journey, we are running a year-long campaign highlighting our impact, stories of transformation, and vision for the future under the theme #30YearsAndBOLD.

To ensure vibrant, creative, and consistent communication throughout the anniversary year, we seek two passionate and skilled Communications Volunteers to support our efforts in graphic design, video content creation, and storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Communications Officer, the volunteers will:

  • Support the development of visual content for social media, newsletters, and digital platforms (e.g., posters, banners, infographics).
  • Assist with editing and packaging short video clips from the Centre’s archives and recent events for storytelling and advocacy.
  • Contribute to writing and curating compelling content for blogs, social media posts, and newsletters related to the 30-Year Anniversary campaign.
  • Design branded templates and promotional materials aligned with the 30-year logo and visual identity.
  • Support live coverage of events and activities (virtually or on-site where applicable).
  • Help maintain a content calendar for all campaign-related communication.
  • Perform any other tasks assigned by the Communications Officer in support of the campaign. 

Qualifications and Skills

  • University degree in communications, journalism, multimedia, graphic design, public relations, or a related field.
  • Proficiency in graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.).
  • Basic to intermediate skills in video editing software (e.g. Adobe Premiere Pro, CapCut, Final Cut, or similar).
  • Strong writing and storytelling skills with an eye for detail and creativity.
  • Familiarity with social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube).
  • Strong creative and conceptual thinking
  • Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
  • Commitment to feminist values and interest in gender, peacebuilding, and development.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a portfolio of their work along with a short cover letter outlining their interest and relevant experience. Applications can be sent to applications@wipc.org with the subject line “Communications Volunteer Application.” by 12th May, 2025.

CALL FOR: VOLUNTEERS

The Women’s International Peace Centre is searching for qualified and competent candidates to fill the position of Project Volunteer for the MUSHO Project in partnership with UN Women, funded by the Japanese Government. This is a two-year project working in consortium with other partners supporting the different pillars of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. The Peace Centre’s main outcome on the project is “Accelerating Women, Peace and Security in host and refugee communities.”  

The Women’s International Peace Centre, formerly Isis-WICCE, is a feminist organisation 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 levels 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 (2024-2028) 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 

Deadline – 30th March 2025

Interested candidates should send applications and CVs including three references with contact details and copies of academic and professional testimonials by email to: applications@wipc.org and addresed to;

The Executive Director,

Women’s International Peace Centre

Plot 1467, Church Road, Bulindo, Kira. 

Job title:   Volunteer

Vacancy:     05

Duty Station: Madi Okolo, Adjumani, Yumbe, Isingiro (Nakivale), Kyegegwa (Kyaka II) 

Reports to: Peace Building Lead Program Officer  

Duration: 2 years  

Under the supervision of the Peace Building Lead, the Volunteer will be responsible for the following functions:

Project Management: Assist programmes Department to maintain accurate records of project files in both hard and soft copy; Maintain project management tools and Support with compliance.

Reporting: Prepare and submit project activity reports and quarterly district reports while documenting most significant change stories. 

Coordination: Coordinate activities in the project area, participate in the sector working group, coordination and review meetings. Take minutes and follow-up agreed actions. 

Administration support: making travel and logistics arrangements, anticipate needed supplies/procurements.

Collaboration: Promote constructive, collegial teamwork between programming staff and beneficiaries in execution of the project.

Information/Resources: Research and be informed about programmatic issues, as well as security and political developments in the project location. Support in ensuring The Peace Centre remains up to date on any developments which may impact implementation.

 Ad-hoc: Assist in any other tasks that may be assigned to you from time to time. 

Qualifications

  • Minimum education qualification: A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Peace and Conflict studies and SWASA or any related humanities.
  • Must be resident and from the host community in any of the locations mentioned above. 
  • Must have project work experience working with relevant non-governmental organisations. 
  • Must have very good knowledge in project cycle management. 
  • Demonstrated strong computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Outlook, Internet (Google meet, Microsoft Teams and Zoom), PDF manipulation
  • Positive, helpful attitude and willingness to learn new skills is essential.
  • Must be an excellent coordinator and great teammate; this role collaborates across partners, host and refugee communities, therefore, ability to influence is essential.
  • Ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced environment, managing conflicting priorities and deadlines.
  • Must be able to work independently while also being a team player.
  • Proficiency in English and the local dialect spoken in the area. 

Core Competencies

  • Strong Communication skills
  • Knowledge of WPS agenda
  • Good Computer skills
  • Good mediation skills 
  • Adaptability
  • Conflict sensitive 
  • Problem solving skills 

Inquiries should be submitted through the email address listed above. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. The successful candidate should be able to start immediately.

The following are the core values that align with the mission and vision of the organisation and are required for the job openings; transparency, integrity, and fairness.

How The Girls’ Power Camp is Redefining Menstruation and Empowering Adolescent Girls In Amuria District.

A Participant Cutting Out a Re-usable Pad

We absolutely love the Girl Power Camps, and we recently hosted a transformative one at Moruinera Primary School in Amuria, in partnership with the Stephen Lewis Foundation. This camp engaged girls aged 13-17 in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), empowering them with essential knowledge and skills about their bodies and rights. This is particularly important in addressing challenges like early pregnancies and menstrual-related absenteeism, which contribute to high school dropout rates in Amuria district.

Photos of the Activities at the Girl Power Camp: Moruinera Primary School

Why should girls be ashamed to talk about their own bodies? One of the key highlights was the focus on demystifying menstruation, which has long been stigmatized and even, referred to as ‘Adeka Na Elapa,’ in Ateso meaning “sickness of the month.” By introducing terms like ‘menstrual pads’ and ‘period pads,’ the camp encouraged open conversations and challenged misconceptions about menstruation and bodily changes. These discussions helped dismantle the shame and misinformation surrounding menstrual health, giving the girls the confidence to manage their menstruation with pride and without fear.

“I love being in this camp with my friends because I can openly talk about my body and not feel bad”  shares Gloria Amuge, one of the participants.

This freedom to discuss menstruation openly and without shame is groundbreaking for many of the girls, who have previously been silenced by  stigma. Additionally, the camp included practical workshops where the girls learned to make their own reusable menstrual pads. This activity provided them with essential skills and a sense of independence and resourcefulness. 

 

PREQUALIFICATION NOTICE

Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre) is a feminist organization that seeks to ignite women’s leadership, by amplifying women’s voices and deepening their activism to create peace. We are one of the leading actors on Women, Peace and Security informed by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325), the Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16 and other Women, Peace and Security frameworks. 

Founded in 1974, The Peace Centre works with partners in conflict and post-conflict contexts across Africa and Asia, using the home-grown WEAVE model to catalyze women’s power for peace by integrating research, documentation, holistic wellbeing, skills and movement building as well as advocacy. 

Women International Peace Centre intends to prequalify providers for the provision of various supplies and services. The purpose of this prequalification exercise is to competitively identify providers to be included in a shortlist of suitable providers register capable of providing the supplies and services to the organization as and when required. This exercise and the subsequent tendering processes shall be subject to the Women International Peace Centre Procurement Policies and Procedures.

Areas where service providers are required

Northen Region Gulu, Lira and Dokolo
Westnile Region Arua, Adjumani, Yumbe,and Madi Okolo
Karamoja Region Kotido, Moroto and Napak
Western Region Mbarara, Isingiro, Kasese, Kyegegwa and Hoima
Eastern Region Soroti, Jinja, and Amuria
Central Region Kampala and Wakiso
Country offices DRC, South Sudan,and Burundi

Provision of Supplies & Services

A.Preferred Vendor Agreements(PVA) 

WIPC/FW/001/2025 Engraving Services (Kampala and Wakiso)
WIPC/FW/002/2025 Catering Services(All selected regions)
WIPC/FW/003/2025 Car Hire Services(Kampala and Wakiso)
WIPC/FW/004/2025 Hotel Services (Accommodation,conference services (All selected regions)
WIPC/FW/005/2025 Car wash Services (Kampala and Wakiso)
WIPC/FW/006/2025 Radio Broadcasting Services (All selected regions)
WIPC/FW/007/2025 Office consumables(Kampala and Wakiso)
WIPC/FW/008/2025 Translation and interpretation services(All selected regions)

B. Prequalification 

WIPC/PREQ/001/2025 Graphics design services(Kampala and Wakiso)
WIPC/PREQ/002/2025 Printing services(Kampala,Wakiso,DRC,South Sudan and Burundi)
WIPC/PREQ/003/2025 Wellness Gurus(fitness freak expert ),Spas andcenters(Kampala and Wakiso)
WIPC/PREQ/004/2025 Consultancy Services(Report writing,Research,Studies,Communicationexpert,Workshop facilitation) (All selected Regions)
WIPC/PREQ/005/2025 Artists, sculptors(Kampala and Wakiso)
WIPC/PREQ/006/2025 Photography and Videography services(Kampala and Wakiso)
WIPC/PREQ/007/2025 Therapy services (Kampala,Wakiso,DRC,South Sudan,andBurundi)
WIPC/PREQ/008/2025 ICT Services(Web hosting and web design,installation of software, data Software and Application Development) (Kampala andWakiso)
WIPC/MIS/001/2025 Medical Insurance Services(DRC,South Sudan and Burundi)

Instructions To Applicants.
The Peace Centre intends to prequalify service providers for supplies and
provision of services based on preferred vendor agreements and prequalification MOU.

Applicants are required to request for bid documents/Bid forms through email:procurement@wipc.org
New applicants are required to request and submit complete bid documents while existing
service providers should request ,fill and submit the bid forms.

Submission Procedures and Closing Date.
Applicants are required to submit soft copies of complete set of pre-qualification/bid
documents for each category applied through email: procurement@wipc.org. Please do not
combine more than one categories in one application set.

Applications for Pre-qualification shall be submitted not later than Friday 28th February 2025 at 5:00pm with a reference number clearly indicated e.g. REF: WIPC/FW/007/2025. (The Reference number is category number), addressed to the:

The Executive Director,
Women International Peace Centre.
Plot 1467 Church Road,Bulindo,Kira
P. O Box 4934,Kampala, Uganda
Tel:0414698684.

Conflict and Climate Change: A Double Blow for Women In Congo

As the conflict in the DRC continues to spiral with Goma, Kalehe, Bukavu and the bigger Eastern DRC territories being captured by the M23, our efforts to combat climate change and promote climate justice have been put on hold. The crisis has disrupted our ongoing programs that seek to address the interconnected challenges of climate crisis and gender inequality. Women in the DRC, like those in many conflict-affected areas, are already facing the brunt of climate change impacts, such as food insecurity, water scarcity, SGBV and displacement due to environmental factors. However, with the conflict escalating, these climate impacts are only becoming more severe.

The links between climate change and conflict are not abstract—they are deeply felt on the ground.This interplay between climate change and conflict compounds the risks women face. As they struggle to adapt to a changing environment, they also face the constant threat of conflict-induced harm.

With over 6.9 million people displaced by violence in the DRC—58% of whom are women and 14% children under 5—the stakes couldn’t be higher. As access to food and water becomes increasingly difficult, women are forced to risk their lives in search of survival, further isolating them and making it even harder for them to engage in climate adaptation efforts or assert their autonomy.

Undermining Women’s Rights and Climate Justice Efforts

The intensifying conflict has placed significant barriers in the way of our climate justice and gender equality work. Programs aimed at empowering women and protecting them from violence have been delayed or even suspended due to the prevailing insecurity. Humanitarian access—critical for providing aid, including life-saving sexual and reproductive health services—has been severely restricted. Local initiatives, such as safe spaces for survivors of sexual violence, education programs, and healthcare services, have been interrupted, leaving women vulnerable to violence not only in displacement camps but also within their own homes.

In the DRC, 52% of women will experience SGBV in their lifetime, and 39% of girls will be married before the age of 18. These statistics underscore the urgent need for action, but the ongoing violence makes addressing these issues even more challenging for us.

Our partnerships with organizations like the Zaida Catalan Club for Peace and Security, Karibu Jeuness Nouvelle, and Women in Action for Human Dignity (WAHDi asbl), supported by the Global Fund for Women, focus on placing women at the centre of climate justice. These programs strengthen sustainable livelihoods, women’s agency in responding to the climate crisis , and environmental conservation—all of which are integral to improving women’s well-being and creating community resilience. Unfortunately, in the face of violence, these initiatives are stalled.

The Women of DRC have been playing a vital role in our  community-based climate resilience efforts. Their participation in sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, and the protection of natural resources is not only key to their own survival but is critical to the broader environmental sustainability of the Congo and the entire region. However, these efforts are stymied by the violence that continues to plague the country. When women are denied safety and security, their ability to participate in climate justice initiatives is severely compromised. 

These programs are not only vital to mitigating the impacts of climate change but are also directly tied to improving the resilience of women in the region. Women in the DRC, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas, are crucial actors in environmental stewardship—from sustainable farming practices to forest conservation. But as the situation deteriorates, their ability to engage in these efforts is severely restricted, further exacerbating the vulnerability of their communities to climate impacts.

Women in the DRC, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas, are crucial actors in environmental stewardship—from sustainable farming practices to forest conservation.

Climate Justice: A Key to Women’s Empowerment

Climate justice is not just about reducing emissions or conserving biodiversity—it’s also about recognizing the unequal ways that climate change impacts different populations, particularly women and girls. In the DRC, where women are already battling against gender-based violence and inequality, the effects of climate change amplify their struggles. The loss of natural resources, such as clean water and arable land, drives displacement, fuels conflicts over resources, and deepens poverty. For women, this translates to greater workloads, heightened insecurity, and increased risk of exploitation.

If we are serious about achieving gender equality, we cannot ignore the role of climate justice in this broader fight. The work to combat the climate crisis must be inclusive, addressing the needs of the most marginalized, including women and girls in conflict zones. The climate crisis and gender inequality are not separate issues—they are two sides of the same coin. To achieve long-term peace, security, and justice for women, we must integrate climate action with gender equality efforts.

In the DRC, where both the climate crisis and conflict are rapidly worsening, we must demand urgent action to ensure that women’s rights are prioritized alongside environmental sustainability. This includes not only protecting women from the violence and destruction of war but also providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities to participate in climate resilience efforts. Climate justice can no longer be an afterthought; it must be central to our work, especially in conflict-affected areas like the DRC.

A Call to Action: Protecting Women, Protecting the Planet

The tragic loss of life in Goma and the continued suffering of women in conflict zones is a stark reminder that the protection of women’s rights is inseparable from the protection of the planet. Women are not just survivors of climate change—they are leaders in the fight for climate justice. They are agents of change, from the local to the global level, and their voices must be heard in the conversation about climate solutions.

The women of the DRC deserve more than sympathy—they deserve action. They deserve to live free from violence, with access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. They deserve the right to participate in climate solutions and to be empowered as leaders in building a sustainable, equitable future for all.

By Mwanaisha Musa.

The 41st GIMAC Pre- Consultative Meeting: Advancing Justice for Africans and People of African Descent

The fight for reparations and justice for Africans and people of African descent has gained significant momentum in recent years, with global and regional efforts converging to address historical injustices. Against this backdrop, the 41st Pre-Summit Consultative Meeting of the Gender Is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 6 to 9, 2025. This landmark convening, co-led by The Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre), aligned with the African Union’s (AU) 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” creating a vital space to advocate for gender-sensitive reparations and the full implementation of the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA).

Read More “The 41st GIMAC Pre- Consultative Meeting: Advancing Justice for Africans and People of African Descent”

Call For: Submission Of Proposals To Conduct Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Terrorism Financing (TF) Risk Assessment And Training.

1.0 Background 

Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre) is a feminist organization that seeks to ignite women’s leadership, by amplifying women’s voices and deepening their activism to create peace. We are one of the leading actors on Women, Peace and Security informed by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325), the Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16 and other Women, Peace and Security frameworks. 

Founded in 1974, The Peace Centre works with partners in conflict and post-conflict contexts across Africa and Asia, using the home-grown WEAVE model to catalyse women’s power for peace by integrating research, documentation, holistic wellbeing, skills and movement building as well as advocacy. 

2.0 Request for proposal 

The Peace Centre invites eligible and qualified individuals or firms to conduct Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Terrorism Financing (TF) risk assessment and train staff about AML and TF. 

3.0 Objective of the assignment 

To assess the Peace Centre’s risk in relation to Anti- Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, develop mitigation measures for the risk and train staff about AML and TF. 

4.0 Activities to be performed. 

Carry out an independent Anti- Money Laundering compliance audit to establish the Peace Centre’s compliance with the AML Act and the AML Regulations. 

Conduct an Anti- Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing risk assessment Identify and assess potential ML and TF risks that the Peace Centre could be facing

Recommend mitigation measures for the assessed ML and TF risk.

Train staff about the AML Act, Regulations and policies 

5.0 Deliverables

  •  Produce an AML compliance audit report clearing indicating gaps identified during the audit. 
  • Produce an AML and TF risk assessment report indicating the potential risks and their mitigation measures. 
  • Produce a training report 

6.0 Required Qualification, Skills, Competencies and documentations 

At least 5 years’ experience in Anti- Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing risk assessments and audit. 

Experience in training staff in AML and TF. 

Certification in Anti Money Laundering(ACAMS) or Certified Fraud Examiner(CFE). 

A Bachelors degree in any field. 

Comprehensive knowledge of the Anti- Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Act and Regulations. 

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. 

For firms/company submit registration certificate 

Indicate the methodology you will use to accomplish the tasks

Submit technical and financial proposals 

7.0 Evaluation Criteria 

Understanding of the scope of work  15 Points
Good approach and methodology to execute the assignment 20 Points
Certification in anti money laundering and terrorism financing 20 Points
Experience in anti money laundering and terrorism risk assessment and training 30 Points financing 
Reasonable cost and comprehensive budget breakdown 15 Points

8.0 Application Process 

Expression of Interest marked “ Expression of Interest to conduct Anti Money Laundering(AML)and Terrorism Financing (TF) risk assessment and train staff about AML and TF “ can be submitted as a soft copy via the email address procurement@wipc.org. on or before Friday21st February 2025 including at least 3 referees for which similar work has ever been performed. 

Applications/proposals should be addressed to: 

The Executive Director, 

Women’s International Peace Centre.

Plot 1467, Church Road, 

Bulindo, Kira-Wakiso.

PO. Box 4934, Kampala, Uganda.

Tel :+256 414-698684

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