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Patience Nakiranda

Advancing Women’s Leadership in Peace Processes: The Women’s International Peace Centre at the Regional Forum of Women of the Great Lakes Region on Strengthening Women’s Participation and Leadership in Peace and Security Processes in the Great Lakes

The Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre) was proud to participate in the Regional Forum on Women’s Participation and Leadership in Peace and Security Processes, held from October 18–19, 2024, in Angola.

The forum, convened under the theme “Strengthening Women’s Participation and Leadership in Peace and Security Processes in the Great Lakes Region,” focused on advancing the role of women in the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes and addressing the challenges they face in peace and security efforts

Organized by the Government of Angola in partnership with the African Union Commission’s (AUC) Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace, and Security, the forum brought together women leaders, civil society organizations, policymakers, diplomats, religious institutions, and academics from across the Great Lakes Region.

It served as a critical platform to mobilize collective support and solidarity for women, children, and vulnerable groups affected by conflict—particularly in Eastern DRC—and to push for inclusive peace strategies that place women at the forefront of conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Recognizing the importance of women’s representation in peace processes, the Peace Centre supported six civil society partners from South Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to attend and actively engage in the discussions. Their participation helped amplify grassroots voices and reinforce the urgent need for women’s leadership in peace negotiations and decision-making.

One of the key highlights of the forum was the powerful testimony of Nene Bintu Irangi from DRC, who shared her lived experiences on the challenges and opportunities for women’s participation in electoral processes in the DRC. Her story underscored the systemic barriers that limit women’s full engagement in governance and peacebuilding and the need for stronger policies and action to support their political inclusion.

At the conclusion of the forum, a final communiqué was adopted, which captured the pressing needs and aspirations of women in the region. The communiqué reinforced the demand for women’s meaningful participation in peace processes and called for greater regional and international support to ensure that their voices shape the future of peace and security in the Great Lakes Region.

As the Peace Centre, we remain committed to strengthening women’s leadership in peace and security, ensuring that women are not just present at the table but are actively shaping the decisions that impact their communities and the region at large. The Regional Forum was a powerful reminder that peace cannot be achieved without the full participation of women, and we will continue to advocate, support, and mobilize for their rightful place in decision-making spaces.

Read Communique here: FINAL-Luanda Forum Communique_CN 19 October final team(1)

Policy Briefs, Uncategorized
Patience Nakiranda

The Implications of MONUSCO Mandate Renewal & Transition on the Implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in the Democratic Republic of Congo

This policy brief examines the critical implications of MONUSCO’s mandate renewal and transition on the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As the country grapples with persistent conflict, ethnic violence, and the systematic use of sexual violence, particularly in the eastern provinces, the situation for women and girls remains dire.

While MONUSCO has played a key role in peacekeeping efforts, allegations of sexual abuse by peacekeepers and the ongoing insecurity raise serious concerns about the mission’s effectiveness. Despite some progress, including the adoption of National Action Plans for UNSCR 1325 and the FONAREV law for conflict-related sexual violence survivors, justice remains elusive for many.

This brief underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive security sector reform, meaningful inclusion of women in MONUSCO’s decision-making, and stronger partnerships with local civil society to advance the WPS agenda and deliver transformative change in the DRC.

Download Brief: Implications of MONUSCO Renewal & Transition on the Implementation of the WPS Agenda in the DRC.

Opinion Piece
Patience Nakiranda

Unfrozen: A Journey of Breaking Free from Functional Freeze in Activism

In the world of activism, where passion and dedication often drive individuals to push boundaries, there exists a lesser-discussed experience known as Functional Freeze. This essay explores the concept through the experiences of “River,” an activist caught between the heavy weight of their responsibilities and the paralyzing effects of anxiety and indecision.

River’s story reflects the silent struggles many activists face—where the demands of challenging injustices and navigating complex systems can lead to moments of profound immobility. This essay not only sheds light on the symptoms of functional freeze but also offers pathways to recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, physical activity, and connection in breaking free from the chains that bind so many in the fight for justice.

Downaload and Read: Functional Freeze

Policy Briefs
Patience Nakiranda

A Reality Check of Dutch Feminist Policy in Afghanistan and South Sudan

This report presents key insights from Dutch Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) initiatives in South Sudan and
Afghanistan, synthesising challenges and opportunities. It begins by defining and exploring the concept of FFP
and its relevance to social contracts in fragile settings. Subsequently, it examines Dutch FFP objectives and
critical assumptions. The report then delves into the specific contexts of South Sudan and Afghanistan, outlining
Dutch FFP ambitions, assessing current efforts and needs, and identifying implementation opportunities. It is
structured into two main sections focusing on each country’s context and needs, followed by insights from
SWOT analyses from the workshops with policymakers and practitioners informing actionable
recommendations for enhancing FFP strategies

Read Brief: A-Reality-Check-of-Dutch-Feminist-Foreign-Policy-in-Afghanistan-and-South-Sudan

Latest News
Patience Nakiranda

Press Statement: In Memory of Marilee Karl

PRESS STATEMENT

6 September 2024

 

Rest in Power Marilee

With immense sadness and love, we say farewell to Marilee Karl, founder of feminist organizations, author of cutting edge feminist thinking  writings, US civil rights activist, staunch global feminist activist, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Marilee is   co-founder of Isis International, one of the first international feminist NGOs established in 1974 and dedicated to supporting women’s communication, knowledge building, political organizing, collective learning, and transformative leadership. Since its establishment in Rome, Isis International has evolved and metamorphosed from Rome, Italy, and  Geneva, Switzerland, to Santiago, Chile, Kampala, Uganda, and Manila, Philippines. The passing of Marilee has brought us together from across these seas to pay tribute to her life. From her sharp feminist analysis on women shaping development,  her commitment to amplifying feminist voices in the Global South, to her collective actions for meaningful change in food security & natural resource management, to being a champion  for peace and women as peace-makers,  Marilee was among the 1000 women for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, and among the women recognized by Women Have Wings Awards in 2017.

Marking what would have been her 83rd birthday, we hold a memorial online tribute for Marilee on the 12 September 2024 at 9pm (Philippine Standard Time)

Please use this QR Code for the memorial.

We invite friends and colleagues  to visit Thankbox,  https://www.thankbox.com/app/thankbox/3AFaCiUo to  post their messages, share pictures, or artwork, as we remember and celebrate our sister Marilee Karl, a global warrior of women’s rights.

Communications can be directed to any of the following contacts:

Sandra Adong Oder

Oders@wipc.org

Women’s International Peace Centre (formerly Isis-WICCE)

Kampala, Uganda

 

Luz Martinez

luz@feminists.io

Manila, Philippines

 

Isabel Duque

isaduque@yahoo.com

Isis Internacional (1984- 2012)

Santiago Chile

 

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

Universal Periodic Review – Civil Society Alternative Report

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

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