The model showcases Isis-WICCE strategies and initiatives of making a difference in women’s lives in peace building and post conflict recovery processes in Africa and beyond and making it part and parcel of the existing knowledge as a contribution to feminist engagement at the level of political practice as well as theory building
Isis-WICCE in partnership with Jamme/Kashmir Association carried out a study on the ‘impact of armed conflict on the Health of half widows in Kashmir- India’. The study explored the mental, social and physical impact of violence on the health of the half widows, mothers and sisters whose husbands and male relatives had gone missing due to the conflict. Forty-five women were randomly selected from the three districts of Srinagar, Baramulla and Kupwara of Kashmir valley, comprising of half widows (whose husbands are missing in custody), mothers of disappeared persons (whose sons are missing in custody), sisters (whose brothers are missing in custody) and daughters of the missing persons. Key findings show that half widows have become targets of sexual violence from those viewing them as defenseless.
This report provides an analysis of the extent to which post conflict reconstruction efforts in Burundi, Liberia and Sierra Leone have implemented national commitments for women’s participation in conflict management, post conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation processes, as provided for in UNSCR 1325. Based on semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with women’s activists, the research considered diverse expressions of femininity that speak to notions of “peace” in terms of local women’s groups contribution to bringing peace in all 3 countries, their experiences and knowledge were not taken into account in the post conflict phase neither were they considered key actors that could contribute effectively to post conflict reconstruction.
The report presents highlights of Isis-WICCE’s third annual Peace Exposition held in Lira district, Northern Uganda under the “Zero Tolerance Against Sexual and Gender Based Violence”. This report summarizes the discussions, recommendations and interventions during the Peace Exposition.
The report documents Isis– WICCE’s annual Peace Exposition that was held in Kasese in 2011 that focused on ending child marriage in the district. It provided a space for different stakeholders to speak out strongly against the practice of marrying off young girls before the age of 18 that has for long existed in Kasese district. It is a practice that has cast a dark shadow over the future and lives of many young girls.
Child marriage has continued to be one of the major factors affecting the achievement of development indices and targets in Uganda. This report presents the findings of the study on “Child Marriage and its impact on Development” which was carried out in Kasese district (Western Uganda) in two counties; Busongora North.
The study provides the needed information on the problem of child marriage and its socio economic impact on the society. It directly shows that young children should instead be nurtured for development programmes and progress of society. Involving the child mothers and fathers at every stage of development calls for looking at the issue of child marriage with holistic lenses; especially ensuring that victims and survivors get self esteem, and are provided with means to enhance their well being. It is therefore a loud reminder to policy makers, parents, cultural leaders, religious leaders and the whole community to be part of the great strides Isis-WICCE is taking to end child marriage and restore self worth in the affected that have lost hope in the future. An abused generation cannot contribute to future progress.
We hope that the articles in this volume will act as an International diary for women who are willing to share their experiences as victims of SGBV. We also hope that their resilience can provide encouragement and learning for other survivors’ worldwide to demand justice.
This report documents the proceedings of the Think Tank that was held in Nairobi to strategize on enhancing and activating women’s political leadership in post conflict settings in Africa.
The report examines the extent to which survivors of rape and sexual violence access justice in Nepal as well as the response mechanisms that are in place to address the concerns of rape survivors. The study covered the 10 districts of Morang, Dhanushs, Kailali, Udayapur, Kavrepalanchowk, Kathmandu, Baglung, Dailekh, Dolakha and Darchula.
The findings show that the reporting and documentation of rape cases is still very marginal. An average of 443 cases in a year reflects a high prevalence ofrape if systems were conducive for survivors to report. The analysis further indicates that rape is deeply entrenched national problem that transcends class, caste, ethnicity, age, economic, educational, geographical and religious status.
Situations of conflict perpetuate sexual and gender-based violence as women are forced and coerced into relationships and raped, which consistently abuses their dignity and exposed them to sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS. In this book, Isis-WICCE publishes a collection of post-conflict communities in Liberia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. These stories of resilience and hope show that it is possible for women living with HIV&AIDS in post-conflict communities to make a difference in their lives and their immediate communities when they are given the means for empowerment.
Restoring Hope in their Own Voices