WPC Updates

February 4, 2025

To: All members and observers of the United Nations Human Rights Council

Re: Urgent Need for the UN Human Rights Council to Create an Independent Mandate to Investigate Rights Violations and Abuses by All Parties in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Excellencies,

We, the undersigned 75 Congolese, regional, and international human rights organizations, write to appeal to you to urgently work to establish, in the context of a special session of the UN Human Rights Council, an independent mandate to investigate and report on grave rights violations and abuses being committed by all parties to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and to support efforts to hold perpetrators to account.
The conflict between Rwandan forces and the M23 armed group, on one side, and the Congolese army and the armed groups it has allied itself with on the other has escalated since the M23’s offensive on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in January 2025. The resurgence of the M23, with the support of Rwanda and Uganda, in late 2021 and the ensuing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has had a devastating impact on the lives of civilians, who for decades have faced degradation and abuse. During the
recent fighting, in which the M23 took control of Goma, human rights groups and the media have reported killings, rapes, looting, forced labor, and forced recruitment.

Rwandan forces and the M23 and the Congolese military and its allies long committed serious violations of international humanitarian law, including indiscriminate shelling, attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, killings, torture, rape, and looting. Both the Congolese authorities and the M23, which announced on January 30 the creation of a civilian-led authority to govern occupied territories, have a track record of human rights violations and abuses, including restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and association, arbitrary arrest and detention, and the repression of human rights defenders.
Accountability for serious crimes in eastern Congo has long been inadequate to address the widespread abuses committed by all sides. This impunity for past abuses has been a key driver of grave violations during the current conflict. It is more important than ever for concerned governments to signal their commitment to accountability.

The current humanitarian situation in Goma is especially dire. The city’s residents, along with hundreds of thousands of displaced people, have inadequate access to food, water, and electricity. The M23 and Rwandan forces have obligations to civilians under international humanitarian law, including protecting and facilitating access to humanitarian assistance, and permitting freedom of movement.

The current crisis demands the utmost attention and complementary action by all parts of the international and regional human rights systems. In a January 31 statement, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that “it is crucial that there are investigations into the commission of violations, with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring comprehensive accountability.” The Human Rights Council, in line with its mandate to prevent violations and to respond promptly to human rights emergencies, has a vital role to play in ensuring much-needed reporting on the current crisis, evidence collection, and to support efforts to hold perpetrators to account, such as the ongoing International Criminal Court investigation in Congo.

In this context, we the undersigned human rights organizations, respectfully call upon all states at the Human Rights Council to act as a matter of urgency to address the current crisis, and send a signal to all parties to the conflict that they will be held accountable for serious crimes they commit. The Council should urgently establish an independent mandate to:

• Undertake a thorough investigation into all violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law by all parties to the current conflict, including those constituting crimes under international law, since the resurgence of the M23 in late 2021;
• Establish the facts, circumstances and root causes of current violations and abuses;
• Collect, consolidate, preserve and analyze evidence of such violations and abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence, and systematically record and preserve all information, documentation and evidence, including interviews, witness testimony and forensic material, consistent with international standards and best practices, in view of any future legal proceedings;
• Identify, where possible, those individuals and entities allegedly responsible for serious violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law, including those constituting crimes under international law, with a view to ensuring that they are appropriately held to account; and
• Make recommendations to end violations and abuses and hold perpetrators to account, with a view to ending impunity and ensuring the right to an effective remedy and to justice, truth and reparations for victims, survivors and their families.

The independent mandate should be asked to:

• Report regularly, including with regard to the findings of its investigations and recommendations for advancing accountability, to the UN Human Rights Council (given the urgency of the situation, a first written update should be provided no later than the Council’s 59 th Session), and to the UN General Assembly;
• Integrate a gender perspective, a child rights perspective, and a survivor-centered approach throughout its work; and
• Ensure the complementarity and coordination of its work with other efforts of the United Nations, the African Union, and other appropriate regional and international entities, including the Human Rights Council’s International Team of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Human Rights Council should urgently provide the necessary administrative, technical, and logistical support and personnel necessary to enable this mandate to be carried out without delay, in particular in the areas of fact-finding, legal analysis, translation and interpretation, and evidence-collection and preservation, including regarding sexual and gender-based violence and specialized ballistic and forensic expertise.

The creation of such a mandate would send an important message of deterrence to all commanders of warring parties at this critical juncture: that their abuses will be documented and exposed, and they will ultimately be held to account. It could also support the work of the International Criminal Court, which is currently focusing renewed investigative efforts into crimes committed by all parties in North Kivu since January 2022, or any other justice mechanism.

We appeal to you to work towards the establishment of the above mandate, and we stand ready to provide any more information as necessary.

Signed:

1. 11.11.11
2. Action des Chrétiens Activistes des Droits de l’Homme à Shabunda
3. Action des Chrétiens pour l’Abolition de la Torture – RDC
4. Action Globale pour la Promotion Sociale et la Paix
5. Action pour la Restauration de la Paix et la Justice
6. Action pour le Développement Intégral et Durable
7. Action Sociale pour la Paix et les Droits Humains
8. Actions des Chrétiens pour la promotion de la Paix et du Développement
9. Actions Rapides des Développements
10. African Center for Peace, Democracy and Human Rights
11. African Social Cohesion and Entrepreneurship Network
12. Agir ensemble pour les droits humains
13. Agir RDC
14. Amis des Droits de l’homme en DR Congo
15. Amnesty International
16. Assistance Internationale pour le Développement
17. Association Africaine de Défense des Droits de L’Homme
18. Association Africaine de Défense des Droits de l’Homme – section du Katanga
19. Association d’Actions de Paix et de Développement Communautaire
20. Association des Cultivateurs des Collectivités de Batangi et Bamate
21. Association pour la Santé et Développement de l’Enfant et la Femme
22. Association pour le Développement des Initiatives Paysannes
23. Association pour les droits de l’homme et droit humanitaire
24. Badilika droits humains
25. Centre d’Observation des Droits de l’Homme et d’Assistance Sociale
26. Centre de Recherche Dignity
27. Centre d’Espoir pour les Droits Humains
28. Centre Indépendant de Recherches et d’Études Stratégiques au Kivu
29. Centre pour la Justice et la Réconciliation
30. Coalition des Volontaires pour la Paix et le Développement
31. Commission Diocésaine pour la Justice et la Paix
32. Committee to Protect Journalists
33. DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)
34. Eglise du Christ au Congo/Ministère des Réfugiés et des Urgences
35. Espoir pour Tous au Congo
36. Fédération internationale de l’Action des chrétiens pour l’abolition de la torture
37. Fédération internationale des ligues des droits humains
38. Femmes Unies pour le Développement
39. Filimbi, mouvement citoyen

40. Fondation Bill Clinton pour la Paix
41. Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
42. Groupe Lotus
43. Héritiers de la Justice
44. Human Rights Defenders Network-Sierra Leone
45. Human Rights Watch
46. Initiative pour la Protection des Droits de l’Homme et la Réinsertion Sociale
47. International Commission of Jurists
48. International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute
49. International Service for Human Rights
50. Justicia Asbl
51. La voix du savoir
52. Ligue des défenseurs des droits des malades
53. Ligue des Droits de la personne dans la région des Grands Lacs
54. Ligue des Électeurs
55. Ligue Internationale des Conseillers
56. Ligue Nationale Paysanne des Droits de l’Homme
57. Lutte Pour Le Changement
58. Monde d’Espoir-RDC
59. Nobel Women’s Initiative
60. Nouvelles Dynamiques pour le Développement Rural Intégral
61. Nouvelle société civile congolaise
62. ONG Mama Ni Mama
63. Organisation pour le bien être des Albinos
64. Ouvriers du Monde
65. Parliamentarians for Global Action
66. Pax Christi International
67. Pona Ekolo, mouvement citoyen
68. Protection International
69. Psychologues Sans Frontières
70. Solidarité Féminine Pour la Paix et le Développement
71. Solsoc
72. SOS Information Juridique Multisectorielle
73. Synergie de défense et protection des défenseurs des droits humains, victimes et témoins
74. Umoja-Africa RDC
75. Women International Peace Centre

Download the French Statement here: DRC crisis – HRC joint statement_FRENCH_final

Statement on the Situation in Eastern DRC

The Women’s International Peace Centre expresses profound concern over the escalating conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly the recent capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group. This development has led to massive civilian displacement, with thousands fleeing their homes in search of safety worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. 

The ongoing violence has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with over 6 million people displaced and widespread reports of human rights abuses, including sexual violence against women and girls. The exploitation of mineral resources, often referred to as “blood minerals,” continues to fuel the conflict, with various armed groups vying for control. 

Reports indicate that displaced women, particularly those in camps around Goma, are facing heightened risks of sexual assault. The international community’s previous commitments to end wartime sexual violence have not been fully realized, leaving many survivors without adequate support.

Furthermore, the recent capture of Goma’s airport, a vital entry point for aid, has disrupted the delivery of humanitarian supplies. With no viable road access and waterways on Lake Kivu increasingly unsafe, critical support to those especially women and girls living in camps and settlements has become nearly impossible. Compounding the crisis, reports indicate that humanitarian facilities have been targeted with some hit by violence and others looted leaving many vulnerable without essential medical care

We call for inclusive peace processes that actively involve women at all levels of decision-making. The resilience and agency of Congolese women must be recognized and supported, ensuring they play a central role in conflict resolution and rebuilding efforts.

We call upon the African Union, regional bodies, and the international community to:

1. Ensure the protection of civilians, with a focus on safeguarding women and children from violence and exploitation.
2. Hold accountable all parties responsible for human rights violations, including sexual violence, and provide justice for survivors.
3. Support local women’s organizations that are on the frontlines providing essential services and advocating for peace.
4. Promote the meaningful participation of women in peace negotiations and decision-making processes to ensure sustainable and inclusive solutions.

The Women’s International Peace Centre stands in solidarity with the women of the DRC and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for peace, justice, and gender equality in the region. 

 

Sandra Adong Oder,  WIPC Executive Director.

                                                           

 

We were deeply honored to contribute to the co-creation of the Africa Forum on Women, Peace, and Security, held from December 5th to 6th, 2024, in Addis Ababa. The forum, convened under the theme “Recalibrating the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda,” was led by H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and a steadfast champion of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda.

We remain fully committed to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Africa, aligning with our shared goal of realizing the objectives of Agenda 2063.

Attached is the outcome document from this pivotal convening, with key recommendations and actions to further strengthen the WPS agenda across the continent.

In the semi-arid plains of Engaruka, northern Tanzania, where drought and environmental degradation threaten livelihoods, a transformative initiative is taking root. Engaruka Community Initiative Organisation (ENCO), a grassroots organization, is turning the tide by by planting the seeds of hope—one tree at a time—to nurture a greener, more resilient Engaruka for generations to come.

Read More “How ENCO’s Community- Centered Tree Initiative is Nurturing a Greener Engaruka”

Introduction

The Women’s International Peace Centre (‘The Peace Centre’) is seeking a qualified and competent candidate to fill the position of Communications Coordinator for the USAID-funded Project, Ugandans For Peace Activity.

1.0 Background

The Women’s International Peace Center (The Peace Center) on behalf of the Women Situation Room-Uganda is implementing the ‘Ugandans For Peace Activity’ in collaboration with the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG), Creations Forum Afrika (CAF), Kabarole Research and Resource Centre (KRC), and Warrior Squad Foundation (WSF).

Consortium partners of the Ugandans for Peace Activity will conduct a series of trainings on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and mediation using various training tools. The partners have collectively co-created and harmonized their training tools to develop a comprehensive manual aimed at addressing peacebuilding and election-related violence. This manual serves as a critical resource for practitioners, trainers, and community leaders. To ensure its relevance, accuracy, and effectiveness, we are seeking qualified experts to review the manual.

2.0 Objective
The primary goal of this review is to refine and enhance the content of the Peacebuilding and Election Violence Training Prevention Manual, ensuring it aligns with international best practices, local contexts, and the evolving dynamics of peacebuilding and electoral processes.

3.0 Scope of Work
The selected reviewers will:

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of the manual’s content, including theoretical frameworks, methodologies, case studies, and tools.
2. Ensure the training tools will help achieve project objectives
3. Ensure the manual is user-friendly, practical, and adaptable to diverse contexts.
4. Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or outdated information.
5. Improve the manual’s overall quality and impact.

4.0 Qualifications
Interested individuals or organizations should possess:

1. Expertise in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and election-related violence.
2. In-depth understanding of the values and operational mechanisms of the Women’s Situation Room Uganda.
3. In-depth understanding of election-related violence in the context of Uganda.
4. Experience in developing or reviewing training materials.
5. Strong understanding of local, continental, and international peacebuilding contexts.
6. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

5.0 Timeline
The review process is expected to take 10 working days

6.0 Application Process

Interested consultants are invited to submit their cover letter and CVs addressed to the Executive Director of the Women’s International Peace Centre. Applicants should include technical and financial proposals, along with the curriculum vitae (CV) of all team members, zipped in one folder. The proposal should outline the consultant’s approach to the assignment. Applicants should also explain how their professional experiences align with the required skills and qualifications. Expressions of interest clearly marked “Expression of Interest to Review the Peace Building Manuals under the Ugandans For Peace Activity.” can be submitted as a soft copy via email to procurement@wipc.org. Hard copies can be delivered to the address below by 17:00 local time on 24 January, 2025. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Applications should be addressed to: 

The Executive Director

Women’s International Peace Centre 

Plot 1467, Church Road, Bulindo, Kira, Wakiso

 Box 4934, Kampala, Uganda

On a bright Saturday morning in Engaruka, Tanzania, the usual hum of daily life gives way to a remarkable sight. Community members—women, men, children, and shopkeepers—are out on the streets, armed with brooms and dustpans, determined to make a difference. Before opening their shops, they work together to sweep and tidy the streets. This weekly custom is about more than just keeping the area clean—it’s a powerful symbol of transformation, led by Engaruka Community Initiative Organisation (ENCO) through the “Women at the Centre of Climate Justice” project.

Read More “From Waste to Wellness: ENCO Leads the Way in Tackling Poor Waste Management in Engaruka”

In the bustling mining areas of Geita, a city in NorthWestern Tanzania known for its gold trade, the land tells a story of struggle and resilience. Small-scale mining, a lifeline for many in this region, has left behind scars—bare plains, polluted waters, and abandoned sites marked by deep craters—each one a reminder of the toll the activity has taken on both the environment and the communities that rely on it.Yet, amid these challenges, women are leading groundbreaking efforts to fight climate change impacts in the region.

Read More “From Mining to Greening: Women Leading Climate Action in Geita’s Small-Scale Mining Sector”

CONSULTANCY TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

1.0 Introduction
Women’s International Peace Center (The Peace Center) is a feminist organization that seek to ignite women’s leadership, through amplifying women’s voices and deepening their activism to (re) create peace. We are one of the leading actors on “Women, Peace and Security” informed by United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, the Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16 and other women, peace and security frameworks.
Women’s International Peace Centre is implementing Activity entitled ‘Ugandans for Peace” in partnership with the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG), Creations Forum Afrika (CAF), Kabarole Research and Resource Centre (KRC), and Warrior Squad Foundation (WSF), with support from USAID. It is aimed at preventing, mitigating and responding to political violence and building social cohesion and promoting peace in Uganda. In the initial stages, the Activity will focus on broader interventions covering pre- election, election and post – election processes. The Activity builds on the success of The Peace Centre’s implementation of the Women’s Situation Room regional mechanism composed of the youth peer-to-peer peace process and women advocates for peace programs implemented in 2016 and 2021 election cycles.

1.1 Activity Background

The Ugandans for Peace Activity is a 4 years USAID supported Activity which aims to prevent, mitigate, and respond to political violence, build social cohesion, and promote peace in Uganda. Covering 46 districts from 2024 to 2028, the Activity focuses on enhancing local capacities for early warning and response, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and mediation, in alignment with national and international frameworks such as the Electoral Commission Act, Uganda’s National Action Plan III on Women, Peace, and Security, UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 2250, and SDG 16+.

1.1.1 Rationale
Conducting a Conflict Risk and Context Analysis is essential for understanding the underlying factors that drive conflict, assessing potential risks, and informing interventions to promote peace and stability in relationship to the upcoming general elections in 2026. The rationale is summarized below:

1.Understanding Root Causes and Dynamics: Conflict is often driven by complex, interwoven factors like political, economic, social, and cultural issues that cause electoral violence. A thorough analysis identifies the underlying causes, key actors, interests, and historical grievances that shape the conflict dynamics, helping stakeholders avoid oversimplified solutions.
2.Assessing Risk and Early Warning: Conflict analysis provides an early warning system by identifying factors that may escalate violence or unrest. Through this proactive approach, organizations and governments can develop interventions to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen peace and stability before conflicts become widespread.
3. Informing Strategy and Program Design: By understanding the local context, stakeholders can design targeted programs that address specific conflict drivers and are tailored to the local realities, rather than implementing generic solutions. This makes interventions more relevant, effective, and sustainable.
4. Building Local Capacities for Peace: Analysis highlights the capacities and strengths within communities, such as local peacebuilders and institutions, that can contribute to conflict resolution. Empowering these local actors fosters resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable peace by making the response community-led and context-specific.
5. Mitigating Potential Harm: External interventions can unintentionally exacerbate tensions or reinforce power imbalances if they are not sensitive to the conflict context.
Conducting a risk and context analysis helps identify potential adverse effects and informs measures to minimize unintended harm.
6. Monitoring and Adaptive Management: A conflict context is fluid and may evolve rapidly. An analysis framework allows stakeholders to monitor changes in the conflict landscape,
adjust strategies as needed, and ensure responses remain aligned with the shifting realities on the ground.
7. Supporting Informed Decision-Making: The findings from a conflict risk and context analysis provide critical information for policymakers, funders, and program implementers. This information helps in making informed decisions and allocating resources where they are most likely to reduce conflict and build peace.

Therefore, the findings of the Conflict Risk and Context Analysis will provide a foundation for understanding and addressing the unique challenges that drive electoral violence. It will enhance the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts, promotes a deeper understanding of local needs and capacities, and ultimately contribute to more resilient, peaceful communities. The study will inform strategies for promoting good governance, human rights and democracy in Uganda.

2.0 Purpose and Objectives of the Consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive Conflict Risk and Context Analysis for the Ugandans for Peace Activity. The consultant will assess conflict dynamics, political, social, and economic factors, and identify key actors involved in conflict and peace processes. The analysis will provide actionable recommendations for the Activity to mitigate risks, enhance peacebuilding efforts, and adapt to changing contexts. In addition, baseline data for select
indicators will be collected for the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Plan (AMELP).

2.1 Specific Objectives
The specific objectives of the Consultancy are to;

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the conflict landscape in nine selected districts, examining key drivers, triggers, and dynamics of electoral violence.
•  Identify and map key actors (State, Non-state, Community, CSOs, International) involved in electoral violence and peace efforts.
• Assess socio-political, economic, and cultural factors fueling electoral violence, and identify peacebuilding opportunities.
• Provide actionable recommendations for conflict-sensitive programming, including strategies to prevent, mitigate, and respond to electoral violence, along with risk mitigation measures for effective Activity implementation.
• Collect baseline data for key select indicators for the AMELP.

3.0 Methodology
The Consultant will use qualitative and quantitative techniques; specifically, He/she will be expected to conduct a desk review of relevant documents, reports, policies, and frameworks related to conflict, peace, and governance in Uganda and globally. In addition, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) from key stakeholders in the select districts, will be conducted to gather primary data on each of the study topics and thus, the consultant is expected to produce a report highlighting both qualitative and quantitative data.

3.1 Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Conduct a desk review of relevant documents, reports, policies, and frameworks related to conflict, peace, and governance in Uganda.
• Develop integrated tools to collect Conflict Risk and Context Analysis as well as baseline data for key performance indicators identified in the Ugandans for Peace Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (AMEL) Plan.
• Carry out field-based data collection in 9 selected districts (Kampala, Wakiso, Soroti, Kotido, Adjumani, Arua, Mbarara, Kasese) through questionnaire, key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and participatory conflict mapping.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including, electoral stakeholders, local authorities, community leaders, civil society organizations, women’s and youth groups, and other relevant actors.
• Analyze conflict risk factors at national, regional, and district levels, considering both short-term and long-term trends. The focus here is for needs before, during and after 2026 elections
• Produce a Conflict Risk and Context Analysis report with key findings, conflict drivers, actor mapping, risks, and peacebuilding opportunities.
• Present findings and recommendations to the Ugandans for Peace Activity team and relevant stakeholders.

3.2 Inception Report
A detailed inception report on the consultant’s proposed Conflict Risk and Context Analysis design and methodology will be submitted to the Peace Centre for approval. This will provide preliminary understanding based on document review, rationale and a detailed description of the methodology and tools, analytical methods, budget with a breakdown of costs and detailed work plan for the entire exercise. Any draft questionnaires or interview guides will also be submitted for review at this stage.

3.3 Expected Deliverables
I. Inception Report: Detailing the consultant’s approach, methodology, work plan, and data collection tools.
II. Draft Findings Report: Highlighting preliminary findings from the desk review and fieldwork.

III. Conflict Risk and Context Analysis Report: A comprehensive report that includes conflict drivers, key actors, risks, and recommendations for conflict-sensitive programming with baseline values for select indicators (final report). Two (2) hard copies and soft copy of the report of not more than 30 pages (Excluding preliminary pages and annexes).

The report should be structured as follows:
a) Title page (title of assignment, author(s) of report)
b) Table of contents
c) List of tables and figures
d) Executive Summary (maximum 2 pages; summarizes ToR, methodology, findings, lessons, conclusions and recommendations)
e)  Introduction (background of study, contextual issues, methodology)
f) Findings (addresses requirement of the ToR)
g) Conclusions (well supported by evidence from findings)
h) Recommendations (realistic and clearly set out and cross referenced to the relevant section within the main body of the Report)
i) Appendices (supplementary data: questionnaires, guides, maps, full ToR, list of
contacts/resources, references etc.).

IV. Presentation: A PowerPoint presentation of key findings and recommendations for the Activity team and stakeholders.
V. Dataset (FGDs, KII, Transcripts etc,) with raw data in soft copy.

4.0 Criteria for Selection;

A two-stage approach shall be adopted in evaluating the proposals. The technical evaluation shall be carried out first, followed by the financial evaluation. The technical evaluation has 70% and financial proposal 30% weights. The evaluation areas, expectations and maximum score are presented in the table below.

Evaluation Area	Expectation	Max Score
Consultant/Firm Experience	A brief of past relevant assignments indicating scope, geographic coverage, staff involved, budget, and client (name and contacts)	30
Understanding of TOR and Proposed approach and Methodology/Work Plan	Consultant’s perspective of what the assignment entails and the key considerations that should be made to implement it successfully. Any expert recommendations to the ToR.	20
Qualification & Experience of proposed consultants relevant to the study	CVs for proposed consultants staff indicating their academic qualification and clear relevant experience in Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science or International Relations	20
Financial Costs	A breakdown of costs detailing proposed consultants’ days, daily rates, taxes and other direct costs related to the assignment in UGX.	30
Total Score		100

4.1 Reporting and Management
The successful firm or consultant will work under direct supervision of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting & Learning (MERL) Manager.

4.2 Timeline
The Conflict Risk and Context Analysis is expected to start in January 2025 for a period of 15 working days.

5. Consultant Qualifications, Skills and Competencies
The consultant/Firm selected will have the following expertise and qualifications:
• Advanced degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in conducting conflict risk assessments, context analysis, or peace and security studies in fragile or conflict-affected settings.

• Proven experience working in Uganda or similar contexts with an understanding of the political, social, and economic dynamics of conflict in the region.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills with the ability to produce high-quality reports in English.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in conducting interviews and consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Familiarity with conflict-sensitive programming and donor-funded Activity’s, preferably USAID programs.

5.1 Payment Terms;
The payment plan will be based on deliverables outlined and upon successful and satisfactory completion of activities. Therefore, the payment terms shall be as follows;

Percentage	Deliverable
40%	Initial payment; upon submission and approval of the inception report and its accompanying tools.
40%	Second payment; upon submission of a draft report
30%	Final payment; upon submission and approval of the Conflict Risk and Context Analysis report

6.0 Mode of Application
Firms or consultants who meet the requirements should submit their technical and financial proposal to: procurement@wipc.org not later than 10th January 2025 at 5:00PM East Africa Time. Any application submitted after the set deadline and time will not be considered.

As the Executive Director of Score Beyond Leadership and a certified basketball coach, Mavita Ali stands at the intersection of sports, leadership, and climate justice. Her innovative approach to empowering women and youth has left an indelible mark on communities grappling with climate challenges. Through sports, Mavita transforms lives, nurtures leadership, and champions environmental resilience.

 

Nagasha Jemimah Nyakato, a civil engineer and founder/CEO of Eco Options Uganda, is transforming the intersection of women’s health, sustainability, and climate action. Her journey is rooted in her commitment to social equity, environmental stewardship, and feminism. With a visionary approach, Nagasha addresses the deeply intertwined issues of menstrual health and climate justice, empowering women to lead sustainable solutions for their communities.

Recognizing the challenges many women face regarding menstrual care, Nagasha was inspired to seek sustainable solutions that alleviate financial stress, reduce environmental waste, and uphold women’s dignity. Her journey began when she discovered menstrual cups, a cost-effective, reusable alternative to traditional menstrual products. After experiencing the life-changing benefits firsthand, she saw an opportunity to bridge a glaring gap in the local market, particularly for rural women.

Read More “Our #16Days16Women Campaign: The Story of Nagasha Jemimah Nyakato and Eco Options Uganda”

On 25th November 2024, during the National Launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in Kampala, the Women’s International Peace Centre was honored with a prestigious award by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in recognition of our unwavering commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in Uganda.

Read More “Celebrating Milestones: Women’s International Peace Centre Recognised for Championing Women, Peace and Security in Uganda.”

In Mutumba Subcounty, Namayingo District, Uganda, deforestation driven by charcoal burning and timber logging has severely degraded the environment, making the area increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Recognizing this challenge, Namayingo United Women Group (NUWOG) with support from the Women International Peace Centre and Global Fund for Women launched the “Empowering Communities Against Climate Change” project, an initiative which aims to restore the environment through the planting of trees focusing on empowering women to participate in environmental conservation.

Baker Nankwanga, a 47year old mother of 7 is one of the beneficiaries of the tree planting project in Mutumba Sub county having received over 500 tree seedlings planted on her land. Nankwanga’s family, like many others in the area, was primarily dependent on fishing as their source of livelihood. However, with the recent government restrictions on fishermen without proper fishing gears, many including her husband have been left out of jobs. Faced with economic uncertainty, Nankwanga was left with the burden to support her family.

When NUWOG introduced the tree-planting project, Nankwanga who was identified as a suitable beneficiary saw it as an opportunity not only to contribute to environmental restoration but also to improve her family’s wellbeing and with her husband’s support, she used an acre of their family land to plant the pine trees provided by the project.

As the trees have grown for over two months now, Nankwanga has adopted intercropping to ensure they are properly cared for. She plants vegetables such as green peppers and collard greens (Sukuma Wiki) alongside the young trees, which she is able to harvest, eat and sell when ready. To her, this is a way that helps her not to forget about the trees.

Without putting the green peppers in the trees, i feared i might become reluctant in watering them, and they would end up drying up. By planting vegetables, i ammotivated to water, weed, spray and monitor the trees regularly, ensuring they grow well. Nankwanga shares her motivation for intercropping.

Understanding that the trees will take four to five years to mature, Nankwanga saw an opportunity to utilise the land more effectively by growing these vegetables. This innovative solution not only provides an income while waiting for the trees to mature but also enhances soil health and maximises land use. She has also been able to share with her neighbours some of the vegetables.

Stephen Odong, a climate change volunteer at NUWOG and an expert in tree species, explains the strategy behind the tree-planting efforts:

When we set out to plant trees, we prioritized species with the ability to coppice. These trees can regrow after being cut, which allows the community to use them sustainably for wood or charcoal while maintaining their environmental benefits.– Odong said

This careful selection of tree species ensures that the trees provide both immediate and long-term benefits for families like Nankwanga’s.

Despite facing challenges such as low rainfall, Nankwanga, with the support of her husband, has manually watered the trees to keep them healthy. Her efforts have paid off, and the trees are growing steadily.

Looking ahead, Nankwanga is hopeful. She looks forward to selling the trees after they have matured for timber, charcoal which will help her send her children to school and meet their needs.

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.

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

Feminist activism often involves immense emotional and physical demands, which can lead to burnout if not properly addressed. This presentation explores the challenges of burnout within feminist movements and offers practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing while continuing the critical work of advocacy and activism.

Download :WELLBEING_English

WELLBEING_French

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

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 83^rd 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

 

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

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)

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

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

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.”

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

 

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)

The Peace Centre hosted a Girls’ Power Camp at Orungo Primary School in Amuria district, with over 300 girls aged 9-13 from 26th to 27th February. Over the course of several days, the camp provided a transformative experience for girls between primary 1 and primary 7, focusing on empowering them with knowledge, skills, and support.

The camp included sessions on essential topics such as menstrual hygiene, mental health, and puberty, aiming to enhance awareness and understanding among the girls. Through interactive activities and discussions, they learned about their bodies and minds, gaining confidence to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

A highlight of the camp was the emphasis on decision-making and life skills. Through scenario building and group exercises, the girls explored different choices and their potential outcomes, equipping them with valuable skills for navigating life’s challenges.

Another empowering aspect was the creation of personal action plans. Guided by mentors and peers, the girls set goals and outlined steps to achieve them, fostering a sense of purpose and agency among the participants.

The camp also addressed the girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs, emphasizing the importance of community support. Discussions highlighted the role of parents, teachers, and community leaders in providing guidance, support, and advocacy for girls’ rights and well-being.

As part of our commitment to girls’ empowerment, the Peace Centre distributed exercise books and pens and other scholastic materials to the girls at the end of the camp, contributing to their educational journey and basic needs.

Overall, the Girls Power Camp in Amuria proved to be a powerful catalyst for positive change, empowering young girls with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to thrive.

 

 

Download full statement: Sudanese Women Statement

The validation meeting, held on January 25th, 2024, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders to critically review and refine the LAP, marking a pivotal moment in the district’s journey towards sustainable peace and prosperity.

Attended by religious leaders, cultural representatives, civil society organizations, and key government officials, the validation meeting aimed to incorporate feedback from a broad spectrum of voices, ensuring that the LAP accurately reflected the aspirations and priorities of the Moroto community.

Central to the validation process was the refinement of the LAP’s goal and strategic objectives, which were tailored to address the specific challenges faced by women, youth, and vulnerable populations in Moroto District. The LAP’s strategic objectives were meticulously defined, emphasizing the district’s commitment to reducing livestock theft, cases of gender-based violence (GBV), conflict over natural resources, and enhancing food security at the household level by 2029.

Furthermore, stakeholders proposed strategic interventions aimed at strengthening peace initiatives, GBV systems, resource conflict prevention, and early warning mechanisms. These interventions were carefully crafted to align with the district’s priorities and resources, ensuring their feasibility and effectiveness in addressing key challenges.

The validation meeting also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to make valuable recommendations for enhancing the LAP’s impact and implementation. From mainstreaming messages on the dangers of livestock theft to advocating for compulsory formal education for all children, stakeholders underscored the importance of holistic approaches to peacebuilding and community development.

Looking ahead, the validated LAP will undergo further review by the District Technical Planning Committee (DTPC) and the District Executive Committee (DEC) before being presented to the District Council for final approval. Once adopted, the LAP will serve as a guiding framework for promoting gender equality, peace, and sustainable development in Moroto District.

Napak District on 19th January 2024, conducted a validation meeting to review and refine its Local Action Plan (LAP) on Women, Peace, and Security. The meeting saw active participation from a diverse array of stakeholders, underscoring the community’s collective commitment to promoting gender equality and sustainable development.

The validation meeting, attended by 35 participants, aimed to critically assess the initial draft of the LAP, ensuring that it accurately reflected the needs and aspirations of the Napak community. Participants in the meeting, included religious leaders, cultural representatives, civil society organizations, and women’s rights advocates, who facilitated a comprehensive review process that incorporated a wide range of perspectives and insights.

Throughout the session, participants meticulously examined the LAP document, scrutinizing each element to ensure clarity, accuracy, and relevance. From refining the LAP’s vision, mission, and goal to fine-tuning strategic objectives and interventions, stakeholders actively engaged in shaping a robust and actionable plan for advancing women’s empowerment and peacebuilding initiatives in Napak District.

Modifications were made to various sections of the LAP, including strategic objectives and interventions, reflecting stakeholders’ commitment to crafting a comprehensive and effective action plan. Key revisions included setting more realistic targets, refining strategic interventions, and aligning activities with the district’s priorities and resources.

The validation meeting also provided a platform for stakeholders to share valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing the LAP’s efficacy and impact. From emphasizing the importance of traditional leadership structures in promoting peace to highlighting the interconnectedness of food security and gender-based violence, participants offered invaluable perspectives that will inform the LAP’s implementation and monitoring framework.

Following rigorous deliberations and amendments, the validated LAP document was endorsed for presentation to the District Technical Planning Committee and subsequently forwarded to the District Executive Committee for further review. The culmination of these efforts will see the formal approval and adoption of the Napak LAP, marking a significant milestone in the district’s journey towards creating a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous community.

In January, 2024, Napak District in Uganda embarked on a transformative journey towards advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda through the localization and drafting of a Local Action Plan (LAP). Spearheaded by key district stakeholders, this initiative aimed to amplify awareness, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change within the community.

Read More “Napak District Advances Women, Peace, and Security Agenda Through Developing Local Action Plan”

From December 18th to 19th, 2023, key district stakeholders of Moroto district underwent intensive training sessions aimed at enhancing their understanding of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda and the Uganda National Action Plan III.

The training sessions served as a catalyst for increasing awareness and building capacity in the development and implementation of a Local Action Plans (LAP) tailored to the district’s unique context. Through interactive workshops and discussions, participants, including representatives from various sectors such as community development, law enforcement, governance, and civil society, gained valuable insights and skills to spearhead the localization process.

Following the training, a dedicated district task force was established to drive the development and implementation of the Moroto LAP . Comprising esteemed members such as the District Community Development Officer, District Police Commander, Senior Community Development Officer, and Religious and Cultural Leaders, the task force was entrusted with the crucial responsibility of translating aspirations into concrete actions.

From December 20th to 22nd, 2023, the district technical task force underwent a 3-day drafting workshop where they were trained on developing the LAP. Guided by the district’s vision for peace and prosperity, task force members diligently delineated the LAP’s goal, defined strategic objectives, and outlined targeted interventions to address pressing issues affecting women, peace, and security in the region.

The drafting process saw task force members immerse themselves in deep discussions, carefully scrutinizing each section of the LAP to ensure alignment with the district’s priorities and aspirations. Through collaborative efforts and shared expertise, the task force developed a comprehensive LAP that encapsulated the collective vision and aspirations of Moroto District.

As the drafting process concluded, the task force members shared progress on the draft LAP, outlined action plans, and delineated next steps for implementation. Their dedication and commitment underscored Moroto District’s unwavering resolve to promote gender equality, peace, and inclusive development.

The localization and drafting process of the Moroto Local Action Plan signify a significant milestone in the district’s journey towards creating a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous community.

In December 2023, we conducted a transitional justice training in Dokolo District, Uganda. The two-day training session, held at the Dokolo Tourist Hotel, aimed to fortify women’s participation in transitional justice processes, a crucial step towards nurturing a culture of peace and tolerance in the region.

The training sought to equip women and young women with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage meaningfully in transitional justice platforms. With 32 participants in attendance, including community leaders, women councilors, and representatives from various organizations, the event fostered an environment of learning and collaboration.

The training delved into Uganda’s history of conflict, particularly in Northern Uganda, exploring the impact of prolonged strife on communities. Participants examined the importance of transitional justice mechanisms in addressing past abuses and fostering reconciliation.

Other sessions focused on gender justice in development where discussions revolved around the intersection of gender and transitional justice, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women and young women affected by conflict. Participants explored strategies to promote gender-sensitive approaches in peacebuilding and development programs.

Additionally, the training addressed victims’ rights and reparations, emphasizing the importance of upholding victims’ rights and integrating them into reparative processes. Through case studies and group discussions, participants identified practical measures to support victims of war and conflict in accessing justice and rebuilding their lives.

November 23, 2023

In recognition of your stature as women leaders and climate defenders* seeking to inspire generations to come, we are writing this letter to you to request your solidarity with the women of conflict-ridden Sudan who are bearing the heaviest brunt of the war, including kidnapping, enforced disappearance and subjugation to sexual violence and rape.

Publicly expressing your support for the women and girls in Sudan would send a strong message that this unfathomable violence is not justifiable, nor should be tolerated.

Read More “Joint letter to Emirati women leaders participating in COP28, requesting their public support for Sudanese women bearing the brunt of war, climate change and gender-based violence, ahead of and during the upcoming climate conference.”

In November 2023, a unique gathering unfolded by the serene backdrop of nature, marking a pivotal moment for a diverse group of individuals. The Care Hub Retreat, a meticulously designed experience, was more than an event; it was a transformational journey that delved deep into the realms of personal growth, emotional intelligence, and holistic well-being.

Read More “Embracing Transformation: The Journey of the Care Hub Retreat”

In a resounding display of unity and determination, over 200 South Sudanese women leaders, alongside representatives from diverse sectors, gathered on October 25-26, 2023  in Juba for the 3rd Annual National Conference on Women, Peace, and Security. Against the backdrop of the conference’s theme, “Building Inclusive Democracy: Women’s Leadership and Political Participation,” the women articulated a powerful vision for a more democratic and inclusive South Sudan.

Read More “National Conference of Women leaders on Women, Peace and Security – South Sudan”

#CeasefireNow: Open Call for an Immediate Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel to Prevent a Humanitarian Catastrophe and Further Loss of Innocent Lives

We have witnessed unfathomable death and destruction in the Gaza Strip and Israel. Thousands of people have been killed, injured, displaced, and nearly two hundred remain held hostage, including children and elderly.

In Gaza, the UN has said that water, food, fuel, medical supplies, and even body bags, are running out due to the siege. The UN warned that people – particularly young children – will soon start dying of severe dehydration. Neighbourhoods have been destroyed and turned into complete rubble. Palestinians in search of safety have nowhere to go. Many of those who relocated from northern Gaza to the south after the relocation order by the Israeli army were reportedly bombed as they attempted to flee or once they arrived in southern Gaza.

The events of the last week have led us to the precipice of a humanitarian catastrophe and the world can no longer wait to act. It is our collective responsibility.

On Sunday, October 15th, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator to the Occupied Palestinian Territory appealed to all parties to the conflict, and to Member States with influence, to urgently agree to a humanitarian ceasefire.

Today, we put our voices together and call on all Heads of State, the UN Security Council, and actors on the ground, to prioritize the preservation of human life above all else. During this ceasefire, we call on all parties to unconditionally:

1. Facilitate the delivery of lifesaving assistance, including food, medical supplies, fuel, and the resumption of electricity and internet to Gaza, in addition to safe passage of humanitarian and medical staff
2. Free all civilian hostages, especially children and elderly
3. Allow humanitarian convoys to reach UN facilities, schools, hospitals, and health facilities in northern Gaza and commit to protecting them along with the civilians and staff inside them at all times
4. Rescind orders by the Government of Israel for civilians to depart northern Gaza
5. Allow patients in critical condition to be medically evacuated for urgent care

The UN Security Council, the UN Secretary General and all world leaders with influence must take immediate action to ensure a ceasefire comes into effect. It remains our only option to avert further loss of civilian life and humanitarian catastrophe. Anything less will forever be a stain on our collective conscience.

Civilians are not bargaining chips. Families need a chance to bury and mourn their dead. The cycle of violence against innocent civilians needs to stop.

Parallel Session at the Maputo Protocol @20 Anniversary, Nairobi – Kenya Dates: 11 July 2023

Women’s International Peace Centre in collaboration with Oxfam International convened a parallel session at the 20^th anniversary commemoration of the ground-breaking AU Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). The objectives of the event were twofold. First, the session provided a unique platform for civil society organisations (CSOs) to examine the progress, challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the Maputo Protocol, with a particular focus on Article 10 on the Right to Peace and Article 11 on the Protection of Women in Armed Conflict.

Secondly, the session underscored the importance of advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda within the SOAWR[1] coalition considering recent crises, such as the Sudan conflict which has vividly demonstrated how women comprise the highest proportion of marginalised individuals exposed to conflict-related sexual violence and various forms of gender-based violence. The session sought to shed light on these pressing issues, reiterating their critical nature and pushing for the inclusion of the WPS Agenda at the top tier of the SOAWR coalition’s agenda.

This report provides a summary of the perspectives and insights shared during the meeting, identifying common trends across Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan and at the regional level and highlights recommendations for collectively advancing women’s peace and security in Africa.

Download : WIPC_Report_Maputo Protocol20 Anniversary Event (1)

Women’s International Peace Centre joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Peace Day under this year’s theme, “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals.” The theme is a call to action that underscores our individual and collective roles in fostering a world where the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not just aspirations but realities—a world where the achievement of these goals paves the way for a culture of peace for all. We recognise that SDG16+^[1] on peaceful, just and inclusive societies directly addresses the challenge of fragility and is a vital accelerator of Agenda 2030. However, progress on SDG16+ is poorer^[2] than on almost any other SDG. Present global trends are discouraging as violence targeting civilians is becoming increasingly more common and deadly^[3].

The Russia-Ukraine war has overshadowed all other conflicts, both in the sheer scale of violence and its deadliness, thus concealing a significant overall deterioration of the security situation in most other regions worldwide. The war, coupled with Russian military influence in Africa including the use of private military contractors like the Wagner Group in Mozambique and the Sahelian States of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has exacerbated conflicts in these regions, leading to increased instability on the continent. The proliferation of military bases, weapons and ammunitions as witnessed in Sudan has transformed^[4] violent acts into more complex war-like scenarios.

In such conflicts,  women often bear the brunt of violence and insecurity. For instance, as the war in Sudan rages on, gender-based violence (including conflict-related sexual violence) is a major concern, with an estimated 2.7 million women and girls at risk^[5] due to the disruption of services and lawlessness as a result of the conflict. In Ethiopia’s Tigray region, 2,204^[6] women and girls reported sexual violence to health facilities between November 2020 and June 2021. One of the one-stop centres reported that the victims in over 90% of cases were underage girls and estimated that visits to the centre had quadrupled since the conflict erupted in 2020.

Women in Africa continue to be relegated to the margins and their participation in peace negotiations is starkly hindered by the militarisation of peace processes. During the Luanda and Nairobi peace consultations on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), women were significantly absent. Likewise, in the Chad peace talks in Doha in 2022, there was only one woman among the over 50 participants^[7] present. In the current Sudan crisis, women have been significantly excluded from the formal ceasefire negotiations despite glaring evidence that they are effective in driving political transition and advocating for sustainable peace and stability.

The sobering reality in the DRC and South Sudan as the two countries prepare for elections serves as a stark testament to the persistent and deeply troubling trend of women’s ongoing exclusion from vital political processes. There are reports of rising violence against women, political leaders and activists in the DRC. Women also face barriers to vote, such as the lack of voter documentation required for registration and the general lack of information on electoral procedures, especially in the more isolated rural areas in North Kivu, Ituri and Mai-Ndombe which are currently under the control of armed groups.  Women voters in rural and remote areas in South Sudan still lack access to credible information about the electoral process. Refugees and internally displaced women face challenges of restricted mobility and the lack of necessary identification documents to register and participate in the election process.

As the world celebrates this day of non-violence and cessation of hostilities, we re-echo the ideals envisioned by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.  We emphasize that Actions for Women’s Peace include: advocating for women’s safe, meaningful and effective participation in peace processes as a fundamental component of sustainable peace; supporting efforts that prioritize non-violent conflict resolution and mediation, with a gender-sensitive approach that acknowledges the distinct experiences and needs of women in conflict zones; and standing against all forms of gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, which often escalates during conflicts, we therefore:

1. Call for a shift towards promoting credible elections and good governance in Africa, including comprehensive electoral reforms, encompassing transparent voter registration and robust mechanisms to prevent electoral fraud which will strengthen the integrity of elections to increase public trust in democratic process. Strong institutions, the rule of law, and respect for human rights should also be promoted as fundamental components of good governance.
2. Urge the prioritisation of inclusive and non-violent approaches to peacebuilding, with a central focus on dialogue as a means to achieve stable and sustainable ceasefires. These approaches should also aim to prevent the escalation of conflict and ensure the protection of civilians.
3. Encourage governments to reduce military expenditures and redirect resources away from excessive military spending towards social services. This reallocation of resources should address the immediate needs of communities, rectify governance deficits, improve quality of life, and contribute to global stability.

[1] “SDG16+” refers here to the targets established under SDG16 as well as 36 targets from 7 other goals that directly measure an aspect of peace, justice or inclusion

[2] https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/resource-documents/12424.pdf

[3] Global Disorder in 2022

[4]https://onpolicy.org/the-ukraine-russia-war-on-peace-and-security-challenges-in-africa/#:~:text=The%20Russia%2DUkraine%20war%20has,between%20Africa%20and%20the%20West.

[5] Sudan. 2022 HNO: IM Global GBV Country | Gender-Based Violence Area of Responsibility (gbvaor.net)

[6] Assessing the State of SRHR in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Countries in Africa

[7] 2022  Women and peace and security Report of the Secretary-General

In this year’s annual report, we share the highlights of our year and the wins we have registered in seeking to ensure that peace and security centers and benefits women in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nepal, South Sudan and Uganda. You are welcome to read about these achievements in this report and can find more details on our website.

Download: 2022 Annual Report

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been a land marred by decades of conflict, instability, and the devastating consequences of war. Among the countless stories of resilience and hope emerging from this region, one group stands out – the associations of victims of serious crimes and conflicts, along with the children born of rape, in someites of South Kivu.

Read More “Voices from South Kivu: Associations of Victims of Mass Crimes, Conflict Related Sexual Violence and Children born Out of Rape Meet AU Special Envoy on WPS to Advocate for Peace and Justice”

Photo by : African Union

South Sudan’s President, H.E. Salva Kiir, signed the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), one of the most advanced treaties on the protection of women’s and girls’ rights anywhere in the world into law on 24th February 2023 which was later launched on 16 July 2023 in the country.

Read More “Why Is the Maputo Protocol Important to women of South Sudan?”

On 23rd February 2023, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) met with civil society organizations, think tanks and faith-based organizations (FBOs) in Juba, South Sudan, to discuss the socio-political, economic and security situation in the country. Prior to the meeting, women-led civil society organisations (CSOs) held a preparatory meeting where they agreed on key issues of concern and the role of women in the implementation of the newly announced Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end of the Transitional Period for peace.

Drawing on the discussions and recommendations put forward by the women-led CSOs during the engagement with the AU PSC, this information brief highlights key priorities for women in South Sudan’s peace and security agenda. It provides actionable recommendations for policymakers on how to strengthen the role of women-led CSOs in promoting gender equality and sustainable peace in South Sudan

CSO representatives nominated to present the identified issues to the Peace and Security Council were from Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice, Women’s International Peace Centre and the Young Women’s Christian Association.

Download the Information Brief : WIPC_Putting Women at the Centre of South Sudan’s Peace and Security Agenda 1

BEFORE AND AFTER UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1325

Democratic Republic of Congo- Reflections by Jolly Kamuntu

We live in conflict. It is the context in which we have evolved. The peculiarity of Eastern DRC is the battlefield, the rape capital of the world and a cemetery for journalists. Over the years the situation has taken different forms. Sexual violence before occurred during wars and was done by armed groups. Serial rapes were committed, women were buried alive and women were used as weapons of war. In reality, it was a message to the communities that if you do not surrender, if you don’t give in, women will be burned and buried alive.

Conflicts have set back the rights of women in DRC by 100 years. Conflicts made it possible for rapists to start trivializing sexual violence as more and more cases were reported and it was normalised. There is also lethargy at the national and international levels allowing leaders to not consider rape as an emergency.

This trivialization has tarnished the dignity of Congolese women. We must not be made to accept this into our culture. That is the fight we are taking on right now. I know there is rape and violence against women in other places, but not at the same rate and magnitude as in our case.

Women in DRC were the main victims of the different conflicts, the resulting insecurity. and the harmful effects of war despite not being consulted in the planning of armed violence.

We called for women to enjoy their right to security, especially in times of armed conflict. In such times, the protection of women and children must be given priority.

Before UNSCR 1325 our work as women’s rights defenders’ was challenged. People thought our demands and our plight were a joke. We had no clout. We did this because we were determined, and we are activists.

Even leaders would bring us down whenever we asked for backing. It was as if we were shouting in the desert and people were asking us where we had seen women participating in politics. They would tell us to leave decision making alone and concentrate on raising children.

However, when the UNSCR 1325 came in to support what we had been stressing, it was more acknowledged that women’s rights must be defended and recognised in conflict and post-conflict. Now we see that kind of disparaging language disappearing. When you quote frameworks like the UNSCR 1325, you can feel that they are afraid

Burundi- Reflections by Marie Louise Baricako 

UNSCR 1325 emphasises prevention, protection, participation and reconstruction. Currently, the problem that women face in Burundi is mainly being excluded from all processes.

Women are not formally involved in prevention and neither are they systematically involved in protection. In Burundi, we see more women active in civil society and fewer in public institutions.

Violence intimidates women and prevents them from participating. Women are going to tell you that they don’t want to take part in politics because politics is dirty, politics is full of lies, corruption and violence. All this discourages women.

There is no serene or safe space for the participation of women, and I believe that this is the main reason as to why they do not participate.

Generally speaking, and I say this because I am convinced of it and I would like it to change, you will see that in Burundi there exist symbolic women’s appointments: what matters is the number. Whether they participate or not, whether they are capable or not, that’s not the problem. It’s that kind of thinking – we were asked to get 30% and we are going to get 30%. Even if in parliament they don’t discuss issues, either they don’t understand, or they’re not interested… what matters, we’re going to put them there so that no one will accuse us of not

Major Milestones Over the Past Twenty Years

There have been improvements in terms of legislation. Key legal provisions have been put in place, in particular, the law that reprimands rape and sexual violence, the family law and the law on parity or representation of women, which has improved both local governance and decentralisation. This law provides
for 30 percent representation of women in government institutions.

In the DRC, women are increasingly becoming aware of and demanding respect of their rights. More women have started to report abuses committed by men. For example, in eastern DRC, after a series of awareness-raising campaigns on rape and sexual violence, many women broke the silence and talked about the challenges they encounter, and they exposed their tormentors without fear
of being arrested. As a result, certain practices that discriminate against women are being scaled back.

Inheritance or land ownership rights in favour of women are increasingly discussed within families. This was not the case prior to the UNSCR 1325. This change explains to some extent the shift in mind-sets that is gradually permeating behavioural patterns in the Burundian and Congolese societies.

Various campaigns launched in favour of women’s education have enabled many girls to attend school in large numbers. In terms of economic empowerment, women are already taking on some responsibilities through local economic structures such as MUSOs (Mutual Solidarity Associations) and AVECs (Village Savings and Credit Associations), which enable women’s groups to gain access
to financial power through group and rotational loans.

These mechanisms have enabled poor women excluded from the conventional banking system to gain economic power and engage in income-generating activities.

In Burundi, progress on the status of women can also be seen in the decline of the negative attitude that society has always had about women. It is mainly the negative stereotypes and prejudices that stigmatise women. However, just like in the DRC, the involvement of women in civil society structures and political parties has had a great impact in changing attitudes and mindsets.

The UNSCR 1325 brought forward women not only as beneficiaries of the peace process in terms
of improving peace and security but also brought about a paradigm shift by presenting women
themselves as agents of peace.

Note: This article is an extract from our Women’s World Issue 51

By: Pauline Kahuubire

Election periods often confirm how deeply sexist countries are and also provide proof that discrimination against women and marginalised groups continue to exist.

In Uganda’s case, matters of concern to women were notably absent during the 2021 presidential campaigns. How is it that political issues were addressed but
the needs and demands of half of the country’s population were not taken into consideration?

There are some bright spots. Imagine if women were included in every phase of the electoral cycle, including maintaining peace during the process by interrogating patriarchal norms and other structural inequalities that are usually at the heart of disputes and conflict.

Imagine a mechanism that allowed women to participate in the political sphere from a peacebuilding perspective, and not just as a mere boxticking exercise but one that promoted and valued the power of their agency in fragile, conflict and post-conflict settings. A place where women’s participation in mediation and conflict resolution was not based on perceived gender roles but on their ability to be valuable agents of change and where they were at the helm of peacebuilding
efforts during electoral processes.

Enter the Women’s Situation Room (WSR) Uganda, whose aim is to promote the full and active participation of women and youth in ensuring peaceful elections in Uganda through a model of peace for and by everyone. The WSR was first established in Liberia in 2011 by the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC) and has since then been replicated in Guinea-Bissau in 2014, Kenya and Mali in 2013, Nigeria 2015, Senegal and Sierra Leone in 2012, Ghana in 2020 and Uganda in 2016 and recently 2020/21.

This is a women-led early warning and rapid response mechanism to electoral violence in Africa that has been recognised by both the UN Security Council and at the African Union as a best practice for prevention of violence through constructive dialogue with stakeholders and peace advocacy.

This article describes the role of the WSR Uganda 2021 in promoting peace before, during and after the recently held general elections

It is not news that women are less likely than men to participate in politics in Uganda. Since colonial times, a gap has existed and is gradually thinning but not as fast as women would like it to. It is difficult for some women to attend community meetings, contact elected officials, join men in raising public issues, and express partisan preferences or even vote.

When they choose to participate actively on the political scene and contest for office, some of their campaigns are marked by harassment and violence directed towards them and in many cases, the majority opt out because of the fear of the impact of this violence, beyond physical harm.

A good example is the case of a woman who contested for the Bushenyi Woman Member of Parliament seat in the recent (2021) elections but later dropped out after being intimidated by her family members.

Even with the same level of education as men, work experience, age and level of interest in political affairs, women’s participation in electoral processes is still limited. There is no better example of this than the deliberate exclusion of women from public discussions on political and electoral issues in the mainstream media of the country.

This is considered exhaustive lists of women who can engage in such discussions have been supplied but are ignored repeatedly. When attempts are made to include women in the conversation, it is the same speakers or thought leaders who are recycled and while all this may seem trivial, this gap has severe consequences on the representation of diverse women’s priorities.

As such elected officials and voters are less likely to be well appraised of different women’s concerns, which should inform policies due to the absence of more representative and inclusive voices.

Landmark frameworks such as the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 affirm the important role that women play in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa also known as the Maputo Protocol that was ratified by Uganda in 2010 underscores women’s contribution to peace and security processes.

The instruments recognise that women are gravely affected by conflict, and to address this, women should play a key role in achieving lasting peace after conflict by participating in decision-making processes. They acknowledge the relationships between women, fragility and the struggle for peace.

Similarly, WSR Uganda acknowledges that instability during elections has unique impacts on women and girls and that their contributions are central to building peace and security during the electoral processes.

Waging Peace

Even though elections were primarily conceived to allow a country’s citizens to make collective decisions about their leaders, too often, force is employed by different actors to influence the electoral process and its outcomes.

The outbreaks of physical violence that occur can undermine the legitimacy of the process and have lasting impacts on the population especially vulnerable groups such as women and children.

In Uganda, general elections have previously been marred by reports of voter intimidation, violence and gross violations of rights to assembly, association and expression.

In 2016 there were reports of threats and antagonistic rhetoric from  politicians and a tense environment in fear of the aftermath if voting results were
contested.  The 2021 elections were no different.

Some might argue that the situation was considerably worse when compared with past elections, as outbreaks of violence against candidates and voters were observed and reported.

Until the establishment of the Women’s Situation Room in 2016, concerted efforts to ensure that all stages of the election cycle were free of violence were minimal. Whereas some interventions existed, there was a void in terms of understanding the dynamics around electoral violence and consequently, the development of comprehensive strategies to ensure that peace is advanced during the process.

For instance, some focused on the period during and after but not the period of phase before the elections. Further, the existing mechanisms did not galvanise the wider role women play in electoral processes beyond just participating as voters and candidates.

The WSR goes beyond including women as the community’s less threatening nurturers who are more inclined to engage in dialogue compared to men who are often at the head of a conflict.

The WSR reinforces the role of women as key components of strong coalitions for peace. The WSR also affirms that women in Uganda are a peacebuilding force deserving of an equal space across all sectors of peacebuilding.

The WSR Uganda recognises that the causes of election violence are both systemic and structural and that election violence in Uganda usually manifests in the forms of physical, emotional or psychological and sexual violence, all of which impact individuals differently.

Sexual and gender based violence has been observed to  escalate during elections due to different political views among men and women which is compounded by unequal power at the household and community level.

The WSR, therefore, acknowledges that there are no quick fixes to averting violence during elections because the causes of such violence are deeply ingrained issues that need to be interrogated continuously, as well.

As such, prevention of electoral violence is a long-term initiative that requires a comprehensive approach to ensure that such violence is minimised and that citizens peacefully perform their civic duty.

The Women’s Situation Room Uganda approach and activities are steered by a group of non-partisan, neutral and well respected women, referred to as the
Eminent Women, who advocate for peace, intervene and mediate to avert electoral conflict and violence.

The Eminent Women also engage with electoral stakeholders including the Electoral Commission, political parties, the police, the army the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the InterParty Organization for Dialogue to ensure that they each play their role in conducting peaceful elections.

During the 2021 presidential and parliamentary elections, the Eminent Women hosted four ‘physical rooms’ in four different regions across the country, namely, Gulu, Soroti, Mbarara and Kampala, where they received and dealt with 2,038 calls reporting violent incidents through the WSR call centres.

In many cases their response, stopped violence and threats of violence, thus contributing to generally peaceful elections in the country.

The Eminent Women-led stakeholders through the process of pledging to pursue peace by encouraging them to sign the ‘WSR Peace Cloth’ as a sign of their commitment to work for peace irrespective of the outcome of the election.

Closely working with the Eminent Women, and guiding the activities of the WSR is a 15-member Steering Committee comprised of women’s rights organisations representing women from diverse backgrounds and working on a spectrum of issues such as good governance, women’s leadership, violence against women and peacebuilding, under the leadership of Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), with the Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre) serving as the WSR Secretariat.

The establishment of the Steering Committee guaranteed the broader engagement of diverse women represented in civil society in ensuring that elections were conducted peacefully by as many stakeholders as possible.

Before the elections, the organisations of the members of the Steering Committee conducted Assessment Missions in 30 districts to establish electoral processes, the status of preparation, and the potential for violence. The findings of the assessment guided the planning for the different activities of the WSR in the build-up to the general elections.

Secondly, WSR Uganda also provided an opportunity for women and youth, including persons with disabilities, to monitor peace and the polling process as peace advocates and election observers within their communities.

In the last quarter of 2020, about 1,500 women and 1,500 youth leaders were trained in conflict resolution and peace-building and equipped with skills to promote peace and de-escalate tensions that might have resulted in violence in their communities.

An additional 1,500 women were trained as election observers to observe the polling process and report any anomalies to the WSR toll-free lines, in each of the four physical rooms, for action by the Eminent Women.

In an election where young people played a remarkable role in political mobilisation, the involvement of youth by the WSR drew on their potential to positively contribute to their communities, not just for peace and security, but also for sustainable development if they are to be recognised as political actors.

To quash the use of hate speech and other actions that could have ultimately led to violence, peace messaging was adopted by the WSR through a multimedia campaign that encompassed both traditional and modern media. Messages aimed at encouraging citizens to prioritise peace and avoid any situations that may threaten that peace, the Eminent Women and influential leaders from religious institutions and the informal sector, to mention but a few, were broadcast on television, radio and social media platforms.

The WSR engaged and trained the journalists and media practitioners to leverage the power of the media to promote peace through responsible and gender sensitive reporting.
These are simply a few of the approaches that the WSR used to ensure that Ugandans went to and participated in non-violent polls in 2021.

The Women’s Situation Room mechanism has demonstrated that the mitigation of electoral violence plays a large role in generally maintaining the peace before, during and after the elections.

An Uphill Climb

It has not all been a bed of roses. Community peacebuilding during conflict-prone elections, with women at the centre of the process, remains a daunting task.

A key challenge faced during the period is that women are often not perceived to have the skills, knowledge or social status needed to bring about change in conflict environments. Women are still seen as victims of conflict as opposed to change agents.

Changing this requires a shift in how the role of women is viewed by all electoral stakeholders and the general public. Emphasis must be placed on the quality of women’s involvement and their ability to create transformation both in peace making and peacebuilding and their impact recognised.

Women must be engaged right at the very beginning of peace processes for lasting impact.

The Face of Conflict Transformation is Female

Some may be inclined to think that the peace work of women and youth of the WSR mechanism is not transformative but reports indicate that the peace advocacy work was empowering and also helped transform community dynamics for the better.

Throughout the process, new issues for reconciliation have been raised such as conflicts between the young and the old, those living in urban areas and those in
rural areas, and so many more. The efforts of community peace advocates were without doubt, essential to peacebuilding in the communities where they occurred and critical to the broader goal of contributing to peaceful elections in Uganda.

Step by step, they are building blocks to strengthening democracy and good governance in the country

The last election season demonstrated that elections can provide the best possible opportunity to ensure women’s voices are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their potential contributions to peace and democracy are
maximized.

That said, for WSR Uganda, peacebuilding does not stop with the end of elections, the women of Uganda will continue to promote peace between elections.

The implementation of the Women’s Situation Room in Uganda in 2021 confirms that women in collaboration with the youth are determined to take into their own hands the task of ensuring that elections in Uganda are peaceful for the citizens, to benefit maximally from the democratic process for sustainable peace and development

 

This article is an extract from our Women’s World Magazine 52

The 67^th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) took place from the 6^th to 17^th March , 2023 under the theme “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”

Women’s International Peace Centre Peace hosted a parallel event on feminist peace & movement building in the digital age on 10th March.

The event brought together Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) and peacebuilders from Burundi, South Sudan, Uganda and Nepal to share their experiences with access to and use of digital technologies to advance women’s leadership and feminist peace.

Discussions highlighted the specific cases of young women, refugee women, women in rural areas and women in advocating for peace in contexts with shrinking civic space, limited digital infrastructure and challenges of access to and safe use of digital platforms.

For instance, in South Sudan, women used digital platforms to advocate for inclusive peace processes. They organized and held virtual meetings, discussed transitional justice issues, drafted statements and shared them using social media to decision makers for action.

Digital technologies also enhanced women’s power to share their experiences on social media, to discuss violations and call for action in real life

For many women and girls, the prospects/opportunities of digitalization are limitless with so many benefits which include access to information and knowledge sharing, the ability to build movements and fostering connections with others. However, the same is true for the dangers associated with it.

Women peacebuilders and vocal women are oftentimes threatened, face online trolls, backlash and are forced to endure character assassinations and online sneak campaigns. These pose great challenges that hinder women’s empowerment in digital skills.

By end of the meeting, women’s innovations, good practices and recommendations for ensuring diverse conflict-affected women are included in efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the context of innovation and technological change in the digital age were spotlighted.

Find more videos of women peace builders here;

https://studio.youtube.com/video/-7fLebrAxEw/edit

https://studio.youtube.com/video/IpgvDdIIvL4/edit

https://studio.youtube.com/video/xSrgeOccx8I/edit

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a mechanism of the Human Rights Council (HRC) designed to prompt, support, and expand the promotion and protection of human rights in all countries.

South Sudan had its 3rd cycle of the review in January 2022 and recommendations of the outcome report were adopted in July 2022 by the Human Rights Council for implementation.

Recommendations of the report to be implemented included; activities linked to the Road Map for implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, 2018 mainly focusing on Transitional Justice, judicial reforms, elections and accountability for conflict related sexual violence and sexual and gender based violence. However, implementation of these recommendations has been slow.

With this background therefore, the Peace Centre in partnership with CORDAID supported South Sudan Law Society and Vision for Generation Organisation in organising a two day workshop, attended by 42 people on strengthening civil society engagement in the Universal Review Process on 28th and 29th March, 2023 in Juba.

The meeting aimed at strengthening civil society engagement in the process of holding key actors accountable to the implementation of the UPR .It also created an opportunity  for building strong networks, coalitions and partnerships among members that can make constructive engagement and advocacy for recommendations

Specific objectives were then to;- Develop a clear action plan for monitoring and influencing the implementation of the recommendations of the third cycle of the UPR; Strengthening coordination mechanisms for civil society engagement in the process as well as developing a clear plan for fundraising and coordination with Donors

From the meeting, participants identified key areas for advocacy and lobbying which included ; Review of the Election Act, Political Party Act, NGO Act and reforms such as ; Justice reforms, economic reforms and security sector reforms that need collective effort for them to be put in place

The meeting resulted in:

1) Prioritisation of implementation of UPR recommendations linked to the Road map for implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan

2) Immediate actions for engagement in the UPR identified: (1) wider civil society briefing on the UPR recommendations for South Sudan, (2) Stakeholders briefing on the UPR recommendations for South Sudan at national and states levels, (3) Dialogue with Duty Bearers to follow-up on their commitments and first track progress.

3) Agreed coordination synergies between the UPR coalition and the Just Future Partners2 as CSPPS South Sudan Country Focal person will be the linkage between the UPR coalition and the Just Future Partners.

4) Clear Fund Raising Plan Developed: The workshop mapped key opportunities for fundraising; including the Just Future Partners, UNDP, UNMISS, LWF and formed a Team of Five members to meet these potential supporting partners to discuss the need for support for the immediate actions for the UPR engagement.

 

 

BY: Esther Wasagali

‘If we aren’t intersectional, some of us, the most vulnerable are going to fall through the cracks ‘

Kimberle Williams Crenshaw – Lawyer, Civil Rights Advocate and Intersectional Feminist

The above statement closely relates to my understanding of intersectional feminism, which is listening to and centering marginalized voices, acknowledging my privilege and being open to criticism, honoring the past, and being skeptical of what you want to know. It also means more equality, hope, humanity, acceptability, and inclusiveness of the most marginalized groups.

While intersectionality is understanding how aspects of a person’s social and political identities combine to create different modes of discrimination or privilege, it also identifies multiple factors of advantage or disadvantage such as gender, sex, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, disability, religion and physical appearance. These intersecting and overlapping identities may be empowering or oppressing. For example, in Uganda in the conflict and post conflict areas where the Peace Centre works, some cultures and religious beliefs, and poverty allow early/child marriage thus limiting girls’ right to access and complete education. There have been incidences of them being exchanged for money as low as 50,000 Ugandan Shillings (about $13) this has been tributed to economic downturn due to COVID 19. In some communities, women cannot effectively participate in decision making processes due to cultures that relegate women to the private sphere. In addition, some women cannot speak in the presence of men or in public. If they are to speak, they must seek permission from their husbands, such practices limit their participation in decision-making and peace processes.

Feminist intersectional approaches broadened the scope of first–wave feminism which mainly focused on suffrage and overturning legal obstacles to gender equality (e.g. voting rights and property rights), and second-wave broadened the debate to include a wider range of issues: sexuality, family, domesticity, the workplace, reproductive rights, de facto inequalities, and official legal inequalities and largely focus on the different experiences of women who are poor, immigrant and other groups. Intersectionality acknowledges women’s different experiences and identities. Intersectionality critically analyzes how interlocking systems of power, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, gender oppression, education, political affiliation, race, and culture affect those who are most marginalized in society.

Intersectional Feminist Peace requires that we apply an intersectional lens to peacebuilding by recognizing and addressing the ways in which systems, structures, and attitudes can lead to multiple and overlapping forms of structural discrimination and disadvantage. Marginalized women need to be part of the conflict resolution and peace agreement processes as well as sit at the peace tables to voice out pertinent issues affecting them.

Wars and conflict destroy lives, livelihoods, the economy, families, and much more but women are disproportionately affected by them. Existing inequalities and inequities get magnified and even decades after a conflict, women continue to bear the brunt. Wars make women more vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation as social networks break down along with institutions that prevent gender-based violence. Often, the effect of conflict on women is forgotten or not given the attention it deserves. However, women in conflict and post-conflict areas have created support systems among themselves, especially victims of gender-based violence. Women have contributed to peacebuilding by mediating conflicts within their communities and spearheading peace initiatives.

According to UN Women, women constitute 10% of peace negotiators globally and only 3% of the signatories to peace agreements. For instance, in the 2018 South Sudan peace process, there was one female mediator, yet women constitute 25% of the official delegates. UN in Africa recognizes that women give in their time, careers, and lives in the search for peace and that women have meaningfully contributed to numerous peace processes. However, there is a need to consider intersectional feminism in our daily lives, and in peacebuilding. The Uganda National Action Plan III 2021- 2025 highlights actions for tackling conflict and other problems that undermine women’s participation in decision making processes; they include increasing women’s participation in promoting peace and security by encouraging women’s participation in dialogues on peace and security,  support more women to participate in peace dialogues, implement programs that mentor and coach women in leadership and management. Women’s participation in the labour sector creates new openings for women to influence social and political structures and as custodians of culture and nurturers of families, we need to allow women to be represented at the peace negotiating tables or in community reconstruction efforts.

As people that interact with the most vulnerable women that have been affected by war and conflicts, we need to practice intentional listening by attentively listening when women have something to say, this will enable a deeper understanding of their experiences and needs. Providing an enabling environment that allows different categories of women to express their views promotes their participation and contributes to peace and security.

Peacebuilding programs must consider the difference in women’s economic status, location, education, low-income women, and women in the formal and informal sectors.  It is vital to reorganize that woman in conflict and post-conflict areas have varying experiences due to the impact of war that destroys their confidence and ability to speak, cause trauma and inequalities amongst them and the communities they live in, deprives them of social and cultural sense of belong and hinders their ability to participate in the economy.  Intersectional peacebuilding will help us understand the kinds of violence women suffer and appreciate the varied interest, needs, agencies, and view toward what constitutes inclusive and sustainable feminist peace.

I strongly believe that all women despite their differences should be involved in decision-making and peace processes and that key actors should recognize the critical role that women play in promoting intersectional peacebuilding at various levels because ‘no country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of their contribution” Michelle Obama- Former First Lady USA.

 

NOTE: This article is an extract from the Feminist Pace Series, 3rd Edition. Download the full Magazine here: How to Build Feminist Peace Using an Intersectional Perspective

 

 

By Pauline Kahuubire

Feminist peacebuilding acknowledges that women, men, girls, and boys in society experience conflict differently and recognizes the key roles that women and other marginalized groups play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Intersectionality points to the ways systems of inequality based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, class, and other forms of discrimination mutually reinforce one another to create unique dynamics and effects of conflict on vulnerable persons.

This article argues that an approach to peacebuilding that does not include other dimensions such as socio-economic status, immigration status and other inequalities is likely to reinforce injustices among women and girls. It explores the disproportionate impact of conflict on women, highlights challenges to their participation in peacebuilding and offers recommendations for prioritizing the needs of women and other groups of people who face structural barriers in society.

By their nature, and because of the patriarchal societies that we live in, conflicts disproportionately affect women and girls. Last year, rape and other forms of violence against women in conflict settings increased by 20% globally. In Goma, the Democratic Republic of Congo where the government is currently fighting M23 rebels, the face of displacement is female – a baby in one hand, a
mattress in the other. Moreover, conflicts are unpredictable, especially in the
absence of adequate early warning and response systems, where it is difficult to anticipate when conflicts will end. As a result, the immediate and short-term responses usually focus on dealing with the impact.
When the guns are blazing, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of the response.

It is only when the guns go silent and grievous harm has been done that actors realize two crucial things. First, women and girls bear the brunt of the conflict, considering other structural violence suffered based on class, sexual orientation, or ethnic background. Secondly, women are essential to responding to conflict situations for recovery efforts to be effective and sustainable.

Conflict resolution and response interventions are beginning to involve women although at a much slower pace than desired. According to the 2021 United Nations Secretary General’s Report on Women, Peace and Security, only 8 out of 25 peace agreements in 2021 referenced women. Most recently, during the handshake that affirmed the Ethiopia-Tigray truce, only male hands were seen  although history shows that peace agreements that excluded women have failed, as observed with the first Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan in 2015

For young women, traditional structures, customs, and values prevent their effective participation in formal peacebuilding. The lack of access to information, threats, violence, lack of access to economic resources and opportunities, as well as unpredictable and inadequate funding, especially for grassroots women and youth organizations prevent their participation in decision-making and peacebuilding.

Sometimes we are discriminated against because of the assumption that we do not know anything. As a young person, and especially a young woman, I am one of the most affected by war and conflict. Our presence in decision-making and peacebuilding is important because interventions will be influenced by our experiences. Elizabeth Yuol, a young woman South Sudanese refugee living in Uganda

Furthermore, when women are included in peacebuilding interventions, oftentimes they are engaged as a homogenous group, with similar experiences and concerns. That a younger woman faces the same challenges as an older woman, that a woman with a disability lives the same reality as an abled woman refugee, that a woman living in an urban refugee settlement has the same concerns as one in a rural internally displaced peoples’ camp and that the individual needs of all these women should not be independently examined when creating solutions to crises.

Intersectional feminist peacebuilding asserts that when taken as a whole, without considering the individual needs of all women and girls, there are bound to be unresolved issues and with unresolved issues, conflicts are likely to reoccur. The cycle ends in increased vulnerability of women to discrimination, sexual violence, and violent extremism in some instances.

Feminist peacebuilding also recognizes the intersections between patriarchy and other systems of oppressions such as capitalism, ageism, classism, authoritarianism, and colonialism and how they exacerbate inequalities against women and girls during conflicts and crises.  It suggests that there should not be a one-size fits all to humanitarian response.

For instance, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, global response measures involved the use of quarantines and lockdowns to contain the spread of the virus. This measure did not consider how confinement would affect women and girls in their varied diversities. Women working in markets in Uganda were forced to sleep in the markets to continue earning a living and yet their safety was not guaranteed.  If women had been consulted, they would have proposed alternatives that worked for them.

Therefore, for future crises, women must be engaged to ensure they have an opportunity to highlight solutions that will not leave them adversely affected. Deliberate action must be taken to ensure that all categories of women are included in terms of class, sexuality, ethnicity, and disability as recognized by the Women and Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, the Youth and Peace and Security (YPS) agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Secondly, in most communities, women are the glue that hold the social fabric together. This makes them critical actors in rebuilding societies that have experienced conflict. They participate in door-to-door peacebuilding campaigns and mediate conflict situations at family and communal level, which exposes them to the risk of being attacked. Across the globe, women human rights defenders have increasingly been targeted with attacks that silence their advocacy and prevent them from participating in public life.

In Uganda, Sarah, a middle-aged South Sudanese woman living in a refugee settlement in Adjumani district was trained by Women’s International Peace Centre as a peace mediator. She told me about an incident where she felt that her life was in danger. Using the skills acquired from the previously mentioned training, she would approach families that appeared to be experiencing domestic disputes and where violence was evident and attempt to intervene. On one occasion, the male perpetrator threatened to attack her too citing her interference in domestic matters.

Still in Uganda, an election peace advocate trained by the Women’s Situation Room in Mityana district was violently attacked because her message of peace was construed as support for the ruling government. An intersectional approach to feminist peace must consider such risks and ensure that women in peacebuilding are protected, not stigmatized or subject to other forms of violence such as political violence. It guarantees an enabling and safe environment for women working on peace and security and ensures that they do not face reprisals for their work.

Next, the need for relevant data to inform policies on women’s rights and participation cannot be stressed enough. In most of the evidence presented on conflict, women are invisible which translates in their erasure from policy interventions. Thus, using feminist lenses to document and capture the lived realities of all women will generate evidence for policy response. Data must detect and question existing gender inequalities and systems of oppression, and how they intertwine to affect women and girls in fragile settings.

Relatedly, relevant information should be made available for women to participate in peace processes. Profile refugee women and how they are disconnected from their home countries. Because there are weak linkages between them and women in their home countries, they find it difficult to keep up with peace processes and influence their outcomes. Information should be made readily accessible for women to keep track of relevant events and circumvent the evolving tactics of conflict. It is important that critical information such as peace agreements should be translated into local languages that are easily understood by most women.

If peace tables prioritize the needs of warlords over women, that should be an indication to do away with the tables. Because peace is not built overnight, strengthening collective power, and taking collective action in peacebuilding needs to be promoted to ensure sustainability. An intersectional and non-discriminatory approach to feminist peacebuilding has the power to bridge movements and identities and kickstart change by dismantling unequal power structures while centering the needs and experiences of marginalised groups.

At the end of the day, feminist peace building must recognise and respond to the systemic drivers of inequality and use emergencies as catalysts to advance women and girls’ rights. Even within itself, it must identify unjust formal and informal power relations by regularly critiquing the extent to which its structures and processes reinforce oppressive power relations through humanitarian action.

NOTE: This article is an extract from the Feminist Pace Series, 3rd Edition. Download the full Magazine here: How to Build Feminist Peace Using an Intersectional Perspective

 

We are excited to bring you the 3rd Edition of the Feminist Peace Series.

For this edition, we invited authors to work on how to build peace using an intersectional approach. Authors have written based on their personal and professional experience in building peace grounded in feminist peace understanding. Each article shares experience of how intersectionality operates in conflict and post conflict

Download : FPSMagazine_3rdedition (1) (1)

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union conducted its seventh field mission to South Sudan from 22nd to 25th February 2023 as part of its mandate to promote peace, security and stability in Africa.

The field mission was undertaken as a follow-up to the Council’s decisions and those of the African Union (AU) Assembly on the situation in South Sudan, particularly the transition process involving the commencement of the 24-month extension of the Transition period for the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) .

To determine the progress made in  the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement , the AU PSC on February met with various stakeholders including representatives from government, civil society, faith based organisations, think tanks and the media to discuss the socio-political, economic and security situation in the country.

 Prior to this meeting, the Peace Centre on February 22, supported 15 women leaders to      identify key issues of concern to women and develop a submission to the delegation.

The women’s submission highlighted several unaddressed issues and emphasized the role of women in the implementation of the newly announced Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end of the Transitional Period for peace. They called for:

• Fast-tracking of the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms such as the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA
• Strict adherence to the 35% quota for women’s participation by all parties at all levels of the peace process, including in the permanent constitution-making process
• Popularisation of the National Action Plan II for Women, Peace, and Security which will contribute significantly to the overall success of the Roadmap for Peace
• Fast-tracking of the disarmament process since the ownership of guns by civilians poses a great threat to the safety and wellbeing of women and children who are most affected by armed violence
• The establishment of mobile GBV courts outside of Juba to ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable for their actions

 Several issues were adopted in the AU communique of the Ministerial Special Session on Sudan which the government of South Sudan is mandated to implement as part of its commitment.

In line with the 2023 AU theme of the year “Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” GIMAC hosted its 39th pre-consultative meeting from February 12th to 14th, 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Read More “The African Continental Free Trade Area as a driver of Continental Peace and Security”

Women’s World 54 seeks to reflect on the strategies used and lessons learned in the implementation of the Just Future programme by civil society partners in Burundi, DRC and South Sudan.

In this edition, the partners report on progress in their advocacy initiatives,
using the knowledge and skills gained from the various interventions. They offer recommendations for the improvement of the Just Future programme and similar
coalitions as well as how the participation of their core constituencies can be enhanced by bringing attention to key areas for their growth and highlights from their regional advocacy efforts which allow them to influence peace and security discourse and practice at that level.

The experiences shared underscore several successful approaches that can be leveraged, scaled and replicated by like- minded entities, by adapting them to their own programmes to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Download : Women’s World 54_EN

Women’s World 54_FR

Monde Des Femmes 54 propose des réflexions sur les approches utilisées et les leçons apprises dans la mise en œuvre du programme Just Future par les organisations de la société civile partenaires du Burundi, de la RDC et du Soudan du Sud.

Dans cet article, les partenaires reviennent des progrès réalisés dans leurs initiatives de plaidoyer, en se focalisent les connaissances et les compétences acquises grâce aux différentes interventions de terrain. De ce fait, les organisations de la société formulent des recommandations susceptibles de contribuer à l’amélioration du programme Just Future ainsi que sur la manière dont la participation des acteurs clés peut être renforcée en attirant l’attention sur les domaines clés de leur croissance et les points saillants de leurs efforts régionaux de plaidoyer qui leur permettent d’influencer le discours et les pratiques en matière de paix et de sécurité à ce niveau.

Les expériences ici partagées soulignent diverses approches réussies lesquelles peuvent être exploitées dans les pays ayant le même contexte, mais en les adaptant aux programmes spécifiques pour faire progresser l’agenda femmes, la paix et la sécurité.

Telecharger: Monde des Femmes 54

Co-authored by our Executive Director, Helen Kezie-Nwoha, Nela Porobić Isaković, Madeleine Rees and Sarah Smith, the article focuses on global governance structures of peacebuilding and the securitization of peace, examining in turn how these operate to block women’s participation and feminist strategies of peace.

Download the Article here: Building and conceptualizing Peace

The Peace Centre is running a project Women Reclaiming Agency for Peace building in Uganda aimed at strengthening the knowledge and skills of women and youth to effectively participate in peace building processes.

This report documents the unique experiences, strategies and changes seen
by implementing the project.

Download the report: Leading Change; Young People’s Agency in Peace building in Uganda

By Helen Kezie-Nwoha

October 31^st 2022, marks exactly 22 years since the adoption of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security (WPS). Every year during the month of October the UN Security Council convenes an open debate to receive the report of the UN Secretary-General on WPS and listen to member states, UN entities, and different actors on the status of implementing the women, peace and security agenda. This year was no different as the meeting took place on October 21^st 2022.

In this article, I share some of the gains of the WPS movement and areas that need more work as reflected in the 2022 UN Security Council open debate.

Read More “Reflections From the United Nations Security Council 2022 Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security: The Rhetoric Continues”

The Women’s International Peace Centre runs its Feminist Leadership Institute targeting and training women and young women leaders from armed and post conflict settings as agents of social and political change. The Feminist Leadership
Institute runs training programmes that target women leaders, young women
activists and change agents across different professions and spheres of influence.
Between the years 1999-2021, the Institute training programmes broadly focused
on gender, human rights, and feminist peace and security.

This tracer study tracked leadership journeys of selected institute alumnae and documented their growth, involvement and impact on gender, peacebuilding and social, political and economic development of women in conflict and post conflict settings.

Download this study here: Tracing Leadership Journeys of Alumnae of the Peace Centres’s Leadership Institute– EN

Women’s International Peace Centre gère son Institut de leadership féministe qui cible et forme des femmes et des jeunes femmes leaders dans des contextes armés et post-conflit en tant qu’agents du changement social et politique. Le Feminist Leadership
Institute organise des programmes de formation qui ciblent les femmes leaders, les jeunes militantes et les agents de changement dans différentes professions et sphères d’influence.
Entre 1999 et 2021, les programmes de formation de Feminist Leadership
Institute ont été largement axés sur le genre, les droits de l’homme et la paix et la sécurité que nous appelons féministes.

Cette étude de suivi s’est intéressée sur les parcours de leadership d’anciennes élèves sélectionnées de Feminist Leadership Institute et a documenté leur croissance, leur implication et leur impact sur le genre, la consolidation de la paix et le développement social, politique et économique des femmes dans les situations de conflit et d’après-conflit.

Télécharger: Retracer les parcours des anciennes élèves de Peace Centre’s Leadership Institute

In partnership with the Association of Women Repatriated from Burundi (AFRABU), Women’s International Peace Center together with CORDAID, organized a 3-day mission of study and exchange of experience with Rwandan non-governmental organizations under the leadership of the “Réseau des Femmes Oeuvrant pour le Développement Rural (Réseau des Femmes)”. They were joined by representatives of the Umuhivu w’Imboneza platform in Burundi, which is a collaborative framework for elected women and young people as well as women and young leaders of Civil Society Organizations for the promotion of leadership and the inclusive participation of women and young people at the community level.

This mission aimed to strengthen the Umuhivu w’Imboneza platform through the exchange of experiences between the members of the Platform from the 7 pilot provinces of Bubanza, Bujumburan, Bujumbura Mairies, Bururi, Cibitoke, Mwaro and Rumonge under the Just Future project and the Rwandan non-governmental organizations working on the implementation of resolutions 1325 and 22 50 at the community level.

Starting October 19th, the team visited DORCAS Consolation Family and Urugo Women Opportunity Center in the Eastern Province in Rwamagana and Kayonza. They then proceeded to Duhozanye Organization in the South Province and finally had a meeting with women leaders of public and private institutions in Kigali. 

The aim of the exchange visit was to strengthen the Umuhivu alliance on the basis of the exchange of experiences, initiatives, successes, challenges, opportunities, and strategies, between the members of the platform and Rwandan CSOs.

Following the presentations of different organizations’ initiatives and activities, discussions focused on some of the poverty-related challenges that girls and women face including sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, early motherhood as well as school dropouts among others, and how they are combating the issue of poverty among their communities.

It was emphasized therefore that in order to achieve inclusive development, it is necessary to empower women to emerge from poverty which makes them more vulnerable than men.

Kabanyana Ketsia, the founder of the Dorcas Consolation family, explained to participants how the organization works with different stakeholders like schools, local authorities to promote their projects which contribute to poverty alleviation in societies. An example of the projects is the production of sanitary serviette/reusable pads for girls during menstruation which has created employment for marginalized women who are paid every month.

She further highlighted that based on its community approach, Dorcas Consolation Family has also established a health post that receives about 700 people per month, especially women and girls.

At Urugo Women’s Opportunity Center (WOC), participants were introduced to the different income-generating activities the organization runs to fund its education and training activities. These included; accommodation facilities, restaurant and bar, cafe, handicrafts shop, a dairy production unit, and rental space for meetings and events..

Viviane Kayitesi Kayihura, the Executive Director of the organization explained that the organization also provides training in numeracy, business management basics, planning, selling produce in the market, bookkeeping, and management of cooperatives in order to help women earn and save money. She also encouraged participants to work together and support each other to achieve their goals if they want to move ahead in their lives.

 “We believe that when a woman is supported by her peers and provided with the right resources and opportunities, even those most affected by conflict, the woman can develop her confidence and necessary skills. to transform his life, his family, and his community.” Mrs Kayihura said.

The final visit was made to Duhozanye Organization, which was launched by 330 widows who decided to collectively address the consequences of the 1994 genocide such as the death of their husbands, children, and family members; physical and moral injuries; loss of property, exclusion and lack of shelter, isolation, fear, poverty and loss of hope to live.

Murungi Jackline, the in charge of programs within DUHOZANYE, presented the current programs and activities which are based on the socio-economic rehabilitation of the widows and orphans of the genocide in order to integrate them into daily life so that they can in particular strive towards autonomy and participate more generally in the development of the countryThe organization also organizes dialogues to help widows and orphans break out of isolation, help widows find housing, provide the means to exploit opportunities for autonomy, promote gender equality and fight against gender-based violence.

In this study visit, it was realized that the problems that hinder the development of girls and women are almost the same in Rwanda as in Burundi. 

Therefore, a number of recommendations were suggested to address challenges that women and girls encounter in everyday life. These recommendations included;

1. Mobilize girls and women to participate in decision-making, peace and justice;
2. Advocate for the installation of safe rooms in primary and secondary schools, equipped with menstrual hygiene facilities for girls;
3. Develop and include messages on sexual health and rights education in community dialogues in order to reduce unwanted pregnancies among young girls;
4. Develop income-generating initiatives for women and youth with the aim of reducing poverty within the community;
5. Advocate for unpaid work currently done by women and girls to be sharedwithin families;
6. Develop mobilization programs to fight against gender-based violence.

Youth inclusion in peacebuilding processes is critical for ensuring sustainable and inclusive peace, as recognised by the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution (SCR) 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security.

To achieve an increased number of youth peace advocates with strengthened capacity who are effectively participating and influencing the formal and informal peace building processes, Women’s International Peace Centre conducted a training for twenty (20) youth peace advocates from 21st to 23rd September.

The training aimed at strengthening participants’ capacity in peacebuilding and conflict transformation, increasing their understanding of gender in conflict as well as enabling them to acquire knowledge and skills in mediation, reporting and leadership.

The training model which was based on adult learning approaches included sessions delivered through; in-person workshops, lectures, role play, storytelling and reflection, group work and presentations, brainstorming, and illustrations among others. Topics of discussion focused on transformational leadership skills, feminist digital activism, reporting and communication, gender, conflict and peacebuilding. 

Gender was defined as the social construction of economic, social, political, and cultural attributes and opportunities associated with being women and men.Participants shared some of the gender roles associated with being a woman or man in society today. The roles mentioned for women included; cleaning, washing clothes, cooking food, being submissive, rearing children while men on the other hand were mentioned to be the managers whose responsibility is to provide for their families.

It was noted that gender roles are influenced by various factors such as society, experience, culture, environment, history, ethnicity, politics and race to mention but a few. As a result, gender roles have pushed women into the informal sector which has led to lack of power to influence, lack of access to opportunities and resources giving more power to men than women. 

The facilitator emphasized  that peacebuilding helps in preventing outbreak, recurrence and continual armed conflict, violence or social tension. It was defined as the employment of measures to consolidate peaceful relations and create an environment which deters the emergence or escalation of tensions which may lead to conflict.

Participants were also introduced to UNSCR 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace and Security, a resolution that recognises young people’s role in promoting international peace and security which identifies five key pillars for action: Participation, Protection, Prevention, Partnership and Disengagement and Reintegration.

It was highlighted that youth inclusion in peacebuilding processes is critical for ensuring sustainable and inclusive peace and participants were encouraged to participate in peace processes.

As a major tool of advocacy, participants were introduced to feminist digital activism, a communication form that involves the use of social media tools to put out advocacy messages and advocate for issues affecting their communities.

In conclusion, participants suggested different roles of leadership they could participate in once they got back to their communities. These included; advocacy work, influencing media dialogues for attitude change, stopping youth from participating in violent conflict, organising peace dialogues across lines of conflict and facilitating community dialogues on issues affecting youth in their communities.

 

This report looks back into the year 2021 and describes what we have accomplished with our partners in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Uganda. The Peace Centre contributed to enhancing the expertise of women leaders to participate in peace processes; Making information available for women to influence decision-making in peace processes; Claiming space and influencing peace processes at all levels and in promoting the holistic wellbeing of women.

Download : 2021 Annual Report

The lack of policy guidelines to coordinate peacebuilding and conflict transformation approaches remains a fundamental problem in Uganda. As a result, most actors engage in peacebuilding on an ad hoc basis and in a reactionary manner, duplicating interventions which often results in unhealthy competition and wastage of resources with minimal impact whenever conflicts arise. 

The draft Uganda National Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Policy was developed to address gaps as it is intended to provide a mechanism for coordination and synergy among stakeholders involved in peacebuilding and conflict transformation (PBCT). The policy draft has unfortunately not progressed through the approval process since 2015 despite the fact that a number of policy frameworks relevant to peacebuilding have been passed by the government, and the conflict dynamics in Uganda have gone through a series of changes.  

It is against this background that the Women’s International Peace Centre and Safer World convened two review meetings to discuss the 2015 draft National Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Policy and a validation meeting with stakeholders drawn from national and selected local governments where the two partners operate. The meetings were convened in two phases as follows;

Phase one: 1st Technical Review Workshop of the draft peace building and conflict transformation policy. 

The review process started with an independent peace /policy expert who reviewed, made recommendations and presented findings in a comprehensive technical review workshop from 12th to 13th July 2022 with a total of 38 participants.

The technical review panel consisted of key government entities such as; the Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs (policy and planning office, and small arms and light weapons), Ministry of Justice, The Uganda Law Reform Commission, Uganda Human Rights Commission, Uganda Prisons, Uganda Police Force, and Local Government representatives from across Uganda and individuals from Civil Society.

The review panel identified gaps in the NPBCTP and ensured that the policy is representative of the most recent national conflict analysis, the changing dynamics and trends of conflict in the country, as well as evolving government policies.  The panel also built consensus on the vision, objectives, and priority action areas for the policy; appraised the adequacy and suitability of the interventions and response mechanisms set out in the policy; and finally, guided on an action plan for strategic advocacy and lobby for the speedy passing of the policy. 

On 14th July 2022, the findings from the technical review workshop were presented to a wider stakeholder audience for validation and further scrutiny. The validation forum provided a platform for 107 survivors and members from marginalized communities and civil society, religious and cultural leaders to discuss whether the draft policy satisfactorily addresses their needs and concerns. 

Phase Two: 2nd review of the Draft National Peace policy. 

For ownership, a concretized outcome, and faster drive, a government expert Commissioner, Policy and Planning, Ministry of Internal Affairs based on his technical expertise in policy and planning conducted the second in-depth technical review of the NPBCT policy.  He developed intervention areas that were still missing in the document, checked its conformity with other existing government frameworks, and made a presentation in the second review workshop held from 17th to 19th August 2022 that brought together 16 participants.   They included representatives from  Civil Society, Uganda Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Internal Affairs  Policy and Planning  Department, Uganda  Joint Christian Council  and the Refugee Law  Project. The group thoroughly reviewed and polished the   2nd   2022 Peace policy document which has since been shared with the Ministry of Internal Affairs for review.

The review findings were to inform engagements of the women peace champions with other relevant stakeholders e.g., ministries/departments/agencies, Parliament, and traditional institutions to influence the passing of the policy.  

It is the vision of Just Future partners to attain more inclusive policy outcomes with a focus on the youth and Women, Peace, and Security agendas that emphasises political decision making especially in peace processes which is more inclusive of and accountable to the most excluded constituencies.

Against this background, Women’s International Peace Centre in partnership with Cordaid organised a Learning and Networking Exchange for thirty partners from Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mali, Niger, and South Sudan from 8th to 11th August in Kampala.  

Through mutual learning and capacity strengthening on lobbying and advocacy among civil society partners and other stakeholders, the practical learning space provided participants with a first-hand account from similar organisations on the Women Peace and Security agenda. It also provided a forum for knowledge exchange and learning of best practices that can be replicated in their home countries.

Presentations were made by a diverse group of experts, scholars and practitioners from the national and international peace and security arena on the localisation, funding, lobbying, emerging trends and other issues regarding the implementation of WPS agenda. 

In the keynote’s address from Professor Cheryl Hendricks, the Executive Director of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) and a Board Member of the Peace Centre, it was noted that while there has been good progress in integrating the WPS agenda into the peace and security infrastructure which was formerly dominated by patriarchal attitudes, there are still a number of areas where there are deficits including targets for women in peacekeeping units and police forces which remain unattained. 

She highlighted the increase in conflicts and the associated gender based violence, the rise in conservatism, militia conflicts, conflict connected to climate change, and rise in the militarisation of societies which continue to cripple the progress of the agenda. In her conclusion, she urged partners to think of more innovative solutions and a rethinking of approaches for implementing the agenda that will get their governments involved and participating.

The meeting also facilitated sessions of engaging regional institutions such as FemWise and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and their role in advancing the Women Peace and Security Agenda. Remarks from Canon Joyce Nima, emphasised that FemWise collaborates with networks in the other regions of the world, especially South to South networks to institutionalise inclusion of women in peace and mediation processes, build the capacity of professional women mediators at all levels, join panels, and facilitate the deployment of women-only mediators in cases where it is called for.

IGAD on the other hand is working in partnership with its eight member states to develop National Action Plans for UNSCR 1325 to fit individual country needs, Rabab Baldo, a panellist from IGAD shared.

Other discussions of the meeting focused on sharing experiences and success stories of implementing WPS at country level, strengthening women’s representation and participation in peace processes and post conflict peace building, trends and emerging needs for new security issues to which the WPS framework should be applied and wellness and wellbeing for development practitioners. 

The workshop culminated in the country groups developing lobby and advocacy plans based on what insights they had gleaned from the discussions and experience sharing. They were tasked with taking these drafts back to their countries and making concrete action steps that are feasible to implement. 

In April 2022, the Government of South Sudan launched public consultations for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH). The process was welcomed by government officials, civil society organisations, religious leaders, academia, members of the diplomatic community and development partners, who attended the event.

The outcomes of the consultations will inform the drafting of a bill for the establishment of the CTRH which is one of the transitional justice mechanisms provided for in the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) 2018.

To ensure that reconciliation in South Sudan is driven and owned by the women; that it is survivor-centred and that it addresses all grievances to pave the way for a reconciled and healed South Sudan, the Women’s International Peace Centre in collaboration with CORDAID South Sudan, Search for Common Ground South Sudan, Initiative for Peace Communication and Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice held consultative meetings with groups of women leaders in Juba, Yei, Wau and Bor.

Download a copy of the Information Brief here: Information Brief on the CTRH Bill in South Sudan (1)

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls matter for nutrition because they have an important bearing on the three underlying determinants of nutrition which include food security, care practices and health. Women play a critical role as producers and enhancing productivity with an implication on food consumption and monitory return at national and household level.

Read More “4th GIMAC Strategic Engagement with AU, RECs and Partners on the AU”

In January 2022, The Peace Centre trained 30 young urban refugees living in Uganda from Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan on leadership and peacebuilding. The training aimed to promote young urban refugee women and GBV survivors’ leadership in peace-building processes by equipping them with skills and knowledge to fully understand the policy frameworks, design messages, identify opportunities for influencing and plan the next steps in their advocacy.

The following are documented stories of some of the participants of the training and how they have been impacted over time. Here they also share experiences and challenges regarding settling in Uganda. All names used in these stories are pseudonyms.

SALMA

I am the Director of ‘Stand Up and Shine Foundation’, an initiative established to help refugees in my community. As a source of income, I operate a bakery and a tailoring shop. In my community, there have been multiple cases of gender-based violence some of which get to be reported and others that never make it to the light. These to mention but a few include; employers abusing their employees, stepfathers raping their stepdaughters and mothers forcing their children into prostitution in order to secure some income for the family.

On multiple occasions, I have had to intervene in these cases by reporting them to village leaders as well as the Police. However, without much reliance on the police that ‘continues to fail us, I offer counselling and guidance to girls and young women refugees that have been victims of societal vices like gender-based violence. Similarly, I offer training in tailoring and baking skills to these victim girls and young women to help them get their lives back on track.

As a result of the peacebuilding training, I am more informed of my rights as a refugee- what is acceptable and non-acceptable to me, how I can participate in decision-making as a woman and I am more aware of the different ways to defend myself. With this, therefore, I have gone ahead to train other fellow refugees on how to foster peace in their homes and the community at large.

Also, as part of my training lessons, I have mastered the skill of looking for opportunities to better myself in all spheres of life. This has been very instrumental to the growth of my business as I wake every morning with a vision of meeting new people and finding new opportunities.

I hope to see my community change for the better. I desire an establishment of a major training Centre where refugees can be trained in various skills such as English, computer and social skills, baking, cooking and many more that can help them live a decent life even while in a foreign country.

JEANNE

“I had suicidal thoughts at a certain point of my life but that well-being session made me look at life differently thereafter.” Jeanne is a 40 yr old Congolese refugee leader in Kitebi, an area she has been living in for the last 12 yrs since she arrived in Uganda.

Upon learning about mental wellness in the training, I was encouraged to embrace my life as one that is precious and needs to be taken care of. I was also encouraged to stay true to myself, keep positive and be hopeful in all situations.

Today, I am very passionate about mental wellness seeing that many refugees suffer from a lot of stress-related issues but have no knowledge of how to deal with them. I have made it my sole responsibility to sensitize people about taking care of their mental health in my community.

I have since embraced writing as a form of therapy helping me deal with unresolved feelings in my heart rather than bottling them up within. This has helped me remain strong even in the most difficult situations.

Through the writing process, I also encourage my fellow refugees to write down their experiences. ‘This has helped them express their feelings.  Above all, I encourage them to be grateful for having Life because with the life they have hope for a better future.

I have also engaged with refugees in some of the settlements where I was taken to work as a volunteer, at the hospital.

I take a keen interest in interacting with women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence in the community. I help them look at life as an always-changing process with both good and bad things happening but one ought to be open-minded at all times.

In cases of rape or defilement, I mobilize colleagues to help victim girls by seeking medical attention from health centres as well as carrying out check-ups, the survivors are introduced to pep treatment while it’s still early and then we report the cases to the persons responsible especially village leaders and Police.

The latter however hasn’t yielded much success as they are not many refugee cases reported in the community that are taken seriously.

I reported a case of a 16-year-old girl that was defiled and became pregnant. Upon giving birth, she was denied a birth certificate from the hospital because of failure to provide evidence for the identity of the baby’s father. When the case was reported to the Police, no help was rendered to the young lady to date.

According to Jeanne, many refugees’ needs are neglected in the communities they live in which makes it harder for them to heal from the trauma of war they faced in their home countries.

“I want to see that my people can sustain themselves, that they have hope to eat, sleep peacefully, can be able to go to hospital and be attended to.”- Jeanne said, “this is the only way I will be fully content as a leader”.

EBONY

Ebony is a Congolese refugee leader heading a saving group for refugees in Najjanankumbi. According to her, this group was formed with an aim of ‘chasing’ poverty amongst refugees so they can all have a better chance at life.

Through the Peace Centre training, Ebony has since become an effective leader in her community; She has learnt how to deal with people, especially when addressing community problems.

For instance, in cases of domestic violence, she mobilizes committee leaders of the group to collect money to buy foodstuffs, sugar, soap, and other home utilities that they carry to the victims’ homes to help settle the matter. With this, they then go ahead to advise the couple against domestic violence and its dangers.

However, due to COVID-19, there have been spiralled numbers of teenage pregnancies and domestic violence cases in the community. These have unfortunately slowed down  the response rate of individuals in addressing these matters. Ebony associates these escalated problems with the high poverty levels of people to the point where husbands now beat their wives over very small matters.

“Hunger is making people do what they are not supposed to do; people end up fighting when they are hungry and everything annoys them.”

Through her savings program, Ebony was able to open a mini supermarket as a source of income to sustain her family. In return, she was able to help other refugees with relief, especially in form of food for those that were in desperate need of help.

Regrettably, the supermarket has been closed down due to the failure of paying up the accumulated rent dues that were a result of the Covid-19 Lockdown.

‘It hasn’t been easy since,’ She said, as most members of the group don’t attend meetings anymore. ‘There’s nothing in it for them so they would rather go look for food elsewhere to feed their families.’

Among many things, Ebony is grateful for the training session on wellness as she is using the skills acquired to withstand stress and keep sane even in the hardest of times. She maintains strong courage with the hope that things will get better soon.

She continues to encourage girls and young women that are victims of gender-based violence to keep holding on and not give up while assisting them in any way she’s able to.

Ebony believes that with the necessary assistance, refugees can be able to put their skills and creativity to proper use. That is to say; when they are trained, they should be supported a step further with capital to get their businesses running. Otherwise, without support like that, most of them end up failing to even start.

This report presents women’s resilience, activism, leadership and influence on systems and structures to promote the women, peace and security agenda in the Refugee Settlements and Host Communities of Adjumani, Kotido and Yumbe districts in Uganda.

Women Leading Mediation in Uganda A Reflective Report

Since independence, Uganda has witnessed tyrannical and dictatorial rule and hand over of power through the gun. The situation has not been helped by emerging conflicts around resources often due to influence from international actors that exacerbate the divide between different national, religious and ethnic groups in the country. Uganda has also experienced conflict as a result of events in the Great Lakes Region as its geographical position places it at a crossroads of armed conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other countries within the region. As a result, women and girls continue to suffer the effects of armed conflict in much of fragile Uganda. 

Currently, Uganda is implementing its third National Action Plan (NAP III) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) (2020-2025) under the leadership of the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development. NAP IIIseeks to drive impact in addressing key persisting and new WPS issues such as the influx of refugees, socio-economic and demographic concerns, conflicts over natural resources, climate change and environmental stressors and disasters, transnational threats, organized criminal activities, cultural disputes and many more and despite its existence, awareness on the mechanism has been remarkably low at different levels.  

In a similar manner, Uganda started the process of developing a National Peace Building and Conflict Transformation Policy in 2000; which seeks to create a national peace building framework, mainstream gender concerns into peacebuilding efforts, and establish a gender sensitive conflict early warning system. The framework will also guide the development of conflict transformation approaches and systems that will address social, economic, political, cultural and gender related injustices that lead to internal and cross border conflicts. However, since the development of the first draft in 2015, the policy is still in draft form yet conflicts which affect women disproportionately continue to happen.

It is upon this background that the Women’s International Peace Centre in partnership with Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) conducted a two days’ training in Kampala from 5th to 6th July 2022 for 30 national women peace champions. The aim of the training was to increase awareness of the NAP III on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the National Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Policy while influencing efforts with local and national actors.

The women peace champions selected from a broad spectrum included; women from Civil Society Organizations, private sector, religious and cultural leadership, and young women from media.

Sessions of the trainings emphasized women, peace and security with a specific focus on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, its background, provisions and what it recognizes such as the inclusion of a gender perspective at all levels of decision-making, protection of and respect for human rights of women and girls, protection from Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), gender perspective in peacekeeping including post-conflict processes,  and in the reports of the Secretary General as well as the  Security Council., The training also highlighted some of the resolutions related to  UNSCR 1325 such as UNSCR1820, UNSCR 1888, UNSCR 1889, UNSCR 1960, UNSCR 2106, and UNSCR 2122.

Our Executive Director, Helen Kezie-Nwoha, facilitated a session on Women, Peace and Security and highlighted that the agenda emphasizes that women are not only victims of conflict and instability but are also  active agents in both formal and informal peace-building and recovery processes.

 

In relation to that, Doreen Bakeiha, the focal person on NAP III at the Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development unpacked the National Action Plan with emphasis on its background, relevance, and key components.  She also delved into the history of conflicts in Uganda, how women shape peace and security, laws that support participation of women in peace and security, and the role of women and other stakeholders in the implementation of the NAP. She highlighted that for the implementation of the NAP III to be successful, different actors must work together to support and invest in participatory processes, social accountability tools and localization initiatives.

The NAP III priority outcomes were stated as: All forms of violence prevented and conflicts resolved; good governance enhanced at all levels which includes increasing the participation of women in the security sector; natural and human made disasters are prevented and mitigated;and systems and structures for implementation and coordination of NAP III strengthened.

The session on the draft National Peace Building and Conflict Transformational policy was facilitated by Elizabeth Katusiime from the Conflict Early Warning and Early Response Unit, Ministry on Internal Affairs.  She unpacked the policy highlighting its history, overall and specific objectives and its relevance.

Other sessions of the training included peacebuilding which enabled participants to; understand conflicts and conflict analysis tools which involved examining conflict dynamics, governance systems and conflict triggers, symptoms and root causes of conflicts; conflict early warning and early response; peacebuilding; as well as negotiation and mediation.

In conclusion, with a focus on strategic advocacy for the National Peace Building and Conflict Transformation Policy, participants collectively strategized on possible ways to prioritise the policy and push for its passing. The following were agreed upon;   

1. Hold national level influential workshops, that is, strategic lobby and advocacy meetings with different stakeholders for example state and non-state actors including (prime minister, technical staff, CSOs and donors).  
2. Scale up awareness on the draft national peacebuilding and conflict transformation policy through multi media campaigns, policy briefs for the wider audience to understand. 
3. Popularizing the peace policy among Civil Society Organisations 
4. Technical review and engagements on the draft national peace policy with key stakeholders reviewing and engaging on the national peace policy.  
5. Conduct validation of the peace policy with the wider stakeholders from across the regions for inclusive drafting.  
6. Engagement with the parliamentary committee on disaster involving UWOPA and Greater North Parliamentary Association.

Currently, the Women’s International Peace Centre is implementing a project  “Building Sustainable Peace: Women, Peace, and Security (2019-2022)” in South Sudan. The project seeks to strengthen the capacity of women in South Sudan to mitigate conflict and sustain peace by enhancing their peace-building skills with a focus on mediation, conflict early warning, monitoring, analysis, and reporting from an engendered perspective. 

From 20^th to 25^th June 2022, The Peace Centre conducted a training for 41 young women leaders from Wau, Yei, and Juba in South Sudan under the theme: “Young Women as Champions of Peace Building”, including youth leaders in the informal sector, young women leaders with disabilities, Civil Society youth leaders, political parties, academia, and female journalists.

Major topics of discussion included; Understanding peace and security in South Sudan, climate change and its dimensions in S.Sudan, documenting, reporting from a gender and women, peace and security lens, sexual reproductive health, and understanding feminist digital activism as an advocacy action plan.

During the training, participants were guided to share on the status of WPS in their communities. Key issues raised included increased gang violence, rape that is perpetuated by soldiers, weak laws on Gender Based Violence and the economic situation causing frustration in people among others.

Participants were also introduced to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 which emphasises the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building initiatives

It was noted that South Sudan is subject to International, continental and domestic frameworks such as; the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on Rights of women in Africa (MAPUTO Protocol), AU Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, Intergovernmental Authority of Development to mention but a few whose commitments she needed to respect. This however has not been the case as evidenced by the level of insecurity in the country.

The training also highlighted climate change and its impacts such as food insecurity and famine, displacements, excercabation of poverty as major causes of instability in the country thus solutions had to be found to combat the escalating problem.

Other topics of discussion included leadership skills, financial literacy skills, wellness and self-care sessions.

From the training, the young women developed action plans focusing on addressing issues of early child pregnancies/marriages; Child labor and street children, and inaccessibility of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights for women living with disabilities which were to be implemented in their various communities based on the knowledge acquired.

This regional conference was organized as a collaboration between the Great Lakes Region of African members of the Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding (SVNP), under the auspices of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars Africa Program.

The conference planning, organization and implementation was led by the Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre), the Centre d’Etudes pour l’Action Sociale (CEPAS), the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR-Rwanda) and the Centre for Conflict Management (CCM) of the University of Rwanda.

Download the Report here: Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding Regional Policy Conference

This policy brief is based on the the findings of the assessment on young refugee women’s participation in peacebuilding processes (The Peace Centre, 2021). The analysis reveals low participation of young refugee women in peacebuilding due to low levels of education and thus affecting their positioning in leadership. This policy brief argues that to ensure young refugee women’s participation in decision-making, there is a need for government and all humanitarian actors to promote refugee women’s leadership and participation in decision-making in humanitarian and recovery efforts through the strategic engagement of women leaders and women’s organisations.

Download the Policy brief here: Young Women Refugee Inclusion in Peacebuilding in Uganda_Policy Brief (1)

This 53^rd edition of Women’s World highlights the experiences, good practices, and lessons learned by the Just Future civil society partners in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan advancing inclusive peace, people-centred security, and access to justice.

From Burundi, we share the peacebuilding experience of L’association des Femmes Rapatriés du Burundi (AFRABU) a women-led non-governmental organisation focused on strengthening access to justice for women, youth, and vulnerable groups. The DRC write-up presents the experiences, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in the role played by civil society organizations (CSOs) such as Reseau pour la Réforme du Secteur de Sécurité et Justice (RRSSJ) in the implementation of security sector reform processes. The article also proposes recommendations likely to mitigate the obstacles that undermine the effectiveness of the envisaged reforms. The work of SOS- Information Juridique Multisectorielle (SOS-IJM) and Dynamique Des Femmes Juristes (DFJ) in the implementation of legal clinics in North and South Kivu in the DRC offers key lessons on legal aid services for alternative dispute resolution in a complex conflict-affect context dealing with multiple challenges within the judicial system.

The experience of Eve Organisation for Women Development in South Sudan offers good practices to consider when working with the security sector, to address sexual and gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence of the South Sudan Law Society illuminates the critical role of civil society in advocating for transitional justice and their involvement in the implementation.

Womens’ World 53_English

Countries in the Great Lakes Region (GLR) such as DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Central African Republic and South Sudan have been prone to conflict for several decades, and have witnessed some of the worst conflicts on the African continent. Among these are the genocide in Rwanda, civil war in Burundi and South Sudan, conflict in Sudan (Darfur), cross-border conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and, more recently, sectarian conflict in Central African Republic (CAR).

Based on the recognition that political instability and conflicts in these countries have a considerable regional dimension and thus require a concerted effort in order to promote sustainable peace and development, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region was established. Read More “Regional Policy Conference on Peacebuilding in the Great Lakes”

Women’s International Peace Centre has been implementing a project Leading voices; strengthening capacities for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence prevention and peace building in Uganda with funding from the Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) in partnership with the EU-funded Spotlight Initiative and received technical support from the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

The project strengthened the leadership capacity and influence of local women leaders and women groups across refugee settlements and host communities at Sub County level in Adjumani district. It aimed at bringing them to work together to address gender-based violence, women’s specific peace and security concerns as well as effectively influence peace building and decision-making processes to advance gender equality in humanitarian settings using SASA Together methodology.

As the programme comes to an end, the Peace Centre convened a one-day multi-stakeholders dialogue under the theme “Refugee women at the forefront of peacebuilding” on 2^nd June 2022 with a total of 47 stakeholders (35 females and 12 males) in Kampala.

The dialogue sought to share insights on best practices, discuss emerging priorities, and take stock of achievements in the previous years as well as highlight key Women Peace and Security issues from the host communities and refugee/humanitarian contexts.

The meeting facilitated learning among the Community Activistsas they shared experiences of handling GBV and identified areas of synergy & partnership among key actors including; representatives from Adjumani refugees and host communities; Adjumani District Local Government, urban refugees from Kampala national level stakeholders, Office of the Prime Minister and CSOs working in humanitarian settings.

According to Ms Isabella Bwire from the Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund, women also strengthen the economy when they play an active role in the resolution of conflicts.

“Women enhance the impact of humanitarian support and reduce extremism and its spread,” She said, “However even when their role in peace processes is recognised, they receive very little recognition and financial resources for their work.” Bwire added.

She, therefore, encouraged the formation of partnerships that support programmes which ensure commitments to Women, Peace and Security; advocate for gender equality, and influence peace and security processes through multi-stakeholder coordination, monitoring and accountability frameworks. This way, there will be increased meaningful participation, leadership and protection of women in peace and security as well as strengthened gender-responsive institutional capacity in peacebuilding, peace-making, peacekeeping, and prevention of conflict.

By the close of the meeting, policy recommendations were put forward for follow-up/adoption by different stakeholders. These included the expansion and support of policy programmes and strategies that promote gender equality and social norms to address the root causes of Gender Based Violence by all stakeholders.

Recognising the importance of having women in positions of leadership and the critical role they play in efforts to promote stable and lasting peace, the Peace Centre conducted its Feminist Leadership Institute for 21 young women leaders from Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan and Uganda.

The training was organised as a refresher training following an initial one that had been held in August 2022.

Conducted from 6th to 9th June 2022 under the theme; “Amplifying Young Women’s Voice and Power in Peace Building”,  the training aimed at enhancing
capacities of young women leaders as change agents in peace building and social transformation.

Participants noted that since the training in 2020, they had used the knowledge and skills they acquired to establish organisations, contest for political leadership and published articles about their leadership journeys, among others.

The Leadership Institute therefore deepened the young women’s understanding of the Women, Peace and Security agenda including National Action Plans; Peace and Conflict Management; Early Warning and Early Response; as well as their ability to organise collectively for instance on social media through feminist digital activism.

The training enhanced the capacities of the young women leaders to promote and protect their rights, and to use resolutions to hold duty bearers accountable and find peaceful solutions to conflicts in their communities.

Elections are a key ingredient of democratic governance and women’s political participation is seen as a prerequisite for any truly democratic process. The discipline of acquiring power through an election is assumed to make governments accountable to citizens and confer legitimacy. However, in the absence of women’s full and equal participation as voters, political candidates, critical actors in the electoral processes and, elected office, governments cannot claim to be fully accountable to citizens. Women’s leadership and participation are expected to not only determine the dynamics and distribution of political power but to be active participants in all activities of political parties thereby shaping the nature of institutions that wield political and economic power.

Read More “Interrogating Elections in Africa: Are there alternatives?”

 From May 30 to June 01, 2022, Women’s International Peace Centre conducted a 3-day training for civil society organizations involved in the implementation of the Just Future program under the theme “Advocacy for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security”. 

The training which was attended by 14 people aimed at strengthening the knowledge of the participants on Resolution 1325 and its intersectionality in their programs; improve the capacities of Just Future partner organizations in lobbying and advocacy techniques; and enable them to develop a collaborative approach with regional mechanisms around the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

During the meeting, participants carried out an analysis of the context of the implementation of the resolution in the DRC according to the pillars of participation, protection, prevention and community recovery. The trainees also participated in follow-up of exchanges of practical experiences on the implementation of the resolution by local partner organizations and a simulation exercise. These were later grouped into 3 classes according to the 3 trajectories of the program who presented strategies on how they intended to do lobbying and advocacy in the respective areas of intervention.

The training encouraged alliance building as an advocacy strategy at the community, national and regional levels. Participants were encouraged to form alliances with other organisations that share the same challenges or that can be influenced to support their planned action so as to have successful advocacy. At the end of the training, participants developed action plans for implementing UNSCR 1325 in their respective areas of work.

Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre) and the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) with support from The Embassy of Ireland are partnering in an 8-month project “Women at the Centre of Sustaining Peace in Uganda” to promote the implementation of Uganda’s National Action Plan III (2021 – 2025) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) at the national level and in Karamoja, particularly Kotido and Moroto districts.

From 11th to 13th and 19th to 20th May 2022, The Peace Centre in partnership with Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) conducted trainings of peace mediators in Kotido and Moroto respectively. The trainings were carried out with the objective of enhancing peace mediators’ capacity with peacebuilding and conflict transformation skills such as mediation, negotiation, safety and security, wellness and advocacy so as to contribute effectively to peace.

In Kotido, 55 peace mediators (47 females and 8 males) from sub-counties of Rengen, Panyagara, Nakapelimolu and Kotido Municipality were trained whereas 51 (32 females and 19 males) from the sub-counties of Tapac, Loputuk/ Nadunget, Katitikekile and Moroto Municipality were trained in Moroto.

Sessions of the trainings focused on building an understanding of the NAP III while unpacking its background, relevance, pillars as well as its key components on Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

Discussions also highlighted the need for all respective actors to work together to support and invest in participatory processes, social accountability tools and localization initiatives in order to ensure the successful implementation of the NAP III.

Similarly, sessions unpacked the draft national peacebuilding and conflict transformation policy while exploring its development process, overall objective, relevance and rationale to the stakeholders.

As a result, the trainings increased knowledge among citizens and popularised the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, the Uganda National Action Plan (NAP) III on Women Peace and Security, the 2015 draft national Peace Building and Conflict Transformation Policy as well as enhanced peacebuilding skills among the peace mediators.

This has in turn increased women’s contribution to peace in Karamoja region through awareness sessions, dialogues, peer to peer lobbying as with the campaign towards the disarmament process.

At the end of the training, peace mediators generated community action plans to harness awareness and peacebuilding efforts at the community level. The action plans developed included; community meetings to review peace matters, awareness raising through music, dance & drama and to pass peace messages, conflict monitoring and reporting, peace dialogues, community outreaches for lobby among peers not to engage in conflicts, supporting the ongoing disarmament exercise and disseminating the NAP III to the political and technical planning teams.

Through implementing the project “Strengthening Capacities for Women’s effective Participation in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding in South Sudan (2022)”, the Women’s International Peace Centre project seeks to strengthen the capacity of women in South Sudan to mitigate conflict and sustain peace through enhancing their peace building skills.

Read More “Training Women Peace Mediators; Strengthening Capacities for Women’s Effective Participation in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding in South Sudan”

While powerful gains have been made in the field of Women, Peace and Security at a broader level with an increase in the number of women in politics and governance alongside the national policies and laws, it is still vital to focus on women leaders in religious, cultural and civil society spaces while acknowledging the peacebuilding realities women are navigating through.

Read More “Women at the Forefront of Conflict Resolution”

Valine Samantha Wejuli is the current Vice President of the Makerere Rotaract Club, a position she was voted in after she had been trained in peacebuilding and Leadership by the peace centre in 2021.

Read More “Why Young People Need to be Empowered”

In Uganda, more than 78% of the population is below the age of 30. These represent an enormous untapped potential that can significantly contribute to the country’s political and social development if they are actively involved in influencing, shaping, designing and contributing to policy formulation and development processes. That being said, it is critical that youth inclusively participate in peacebuilding processes to ensure sustainable and inclusive peace.

Read More “Maximising Youth Potential in Peacebuilding Processes”

While it’s true that youth inclusion in peacebuilding processes is critical for ensuring sustainable and inclusive peace as recognised by the UNSCR 2250, young people remain largely excluded from formal peacebuilding processes.

Read More ““We Need to be heard! Our Voices Matter”- Racheal Peace Kanyi”

Catherine Birungi is a woman leader from Kibuye 1, Kanakulya zone and also one of the 23 participants of the Training of Trainers community-based facilitators for the peacebuilding program of 2021.

Read More “Catherine Birungi Wanyana is Driving Change from the Ghetto”

The Government of Uganda recognizes the critical importance of ensuring
sustained peace and security through enhanced meaningful participation
of women in peace and development processes and is committed to the
implementation of the National Action Plan III (NAP III) on Women, Peace and
Security (WPS) 2021-2025.

The development of NAP III was premised on the lessons learnt from the previous two NAPs, i.e. the NAP 1 (2008-2010) and NAP II (2011-2015). with a new focus on investing in rigorous and addressing the challenges that prevail in achieving lasting and inclusive peace through women’s meaningful participation.

Download the NAP III : NAP III – Popular Version

The Peace Centre in partnership with Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI), Food and Climate, Io: Facilitating Spaces for Feminist Conversations and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) invite you to a discussion interrogating elections in Africa on April 27, 2022, at 3:00 p.m (EAT). Read More “SAVE THE DATE: Interrogating Elections In Africa”

From 12th to 14th  April, civil society organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo involved in the implementation of the Just Future program were trained on consolidation of peace, gender-sensitive programs, and advocacy for the effective implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security by Women’s International Peace Centre.

The 3-day training took place in Kinshasa and brought together 13 participants including 7 women and 6 men with the main objective of providing knowledge and skills to partner civil society organizations for the integration of gender in their policies and interventions. 

The training was based on the andragogical method which allowed the partners to participate in the planning and evaluation of their learning. It was participatory, interactive and involved cross-sectional discussions to allow participants to contribute to their own understanding of the theme.

At the end of the training, the 13 participants had a better understanding of the basic concepts of gender equality in development; had the methodological tools to improve the integration of gender equality in the design, planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of community-based projects in the internal functioning of their organizations and adopted gender-sensitive behavior including positive masculinity.

 

Digital security is of serious concern, especially since people spend more time online than ever. COVID-19 pandemic led to isolation and social distancing measures which meant that everyday activities like work and schooling were shifted online. The presence in digital spaces increases exposure to digital threats, which in turn creates the need for greater awareness of how to safely navigate the online world. From 23^rd to 25^th March 2022, the Peace Centre organised a physical and digital protection training.

Read More “Enhancing the Capacity of Young Women Leaders on Physical and Digital Protection”

The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) launched the third National Action Plan (NAP) III on Women, Peace, and Security on 8^th March 2021 amidst COVID- 19 restrictions which was hugely consultative.

It is in this regard that the Women’s International Peace Centre in collaboration with Coalition for Action on 1325, and its partners convened a National Women, Peace and Security Forum on 22nd April 2022 in Kampala to achieve the following objectives;

1. Increase knowledge and understanding of the M&E framework for NAP III
2. Document what has been achieved and lessons learnt in the first year of the NAP implementation
3. Cross-learning with women peacebuilders from other East African countries for more effective WPS implementation.

The forum brought together 96 participants (75female and 21 male) from different sectors including Ministries Departments and Agencies, UN Agencies, Embassies, NAP III Steering committee members, Security institutions, Local Government, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the national level and grass root level, the academia, the media, youth peace ambassadors and international WPS players from Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

It also facilitated a review and discussed progress, challenges, emerging issues and recommendations to improve the NAP III implementation process after one year of its launch in 2021.  This increased knowledge and understanding of the monitoring and evaluation framework for NAP III, documented key achievements and lessons learnt and facilitated cross-learning with women peacebuilders from other East African countries for more effective Women Peace and Security implementation.

Discussions from the meeting provided a platform for different players from Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda to share experiences in terms of best practices, progress made, challenges and recommendations to best implement National Action Plans on Women Peace and Security agenda. This aimed at inspiring and increasing understanding of what is being done by different stakeholders and countries to best implement the WPS agenda.

By closure of the forum, commitments were made by different partners including leaders of CSOs, UN Women, Austrian Development Agency, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development with each committing to play a significant and unique role in the implementation of the NAP III. These commitments included; continuously working with international agencies, CSOs, and local governments to find lasting solutions to the increasing number of refugees in Uganda, working with the government of Uganda through MGLSD and CSOs to increase funding for effective implementation of NAP III through localization and other strategies, increasing efforts through CSOs and government towards addressing crisis including teenage pregnancies in Uganda to mention but a few.

 

What does advancing Feminist Peace in the context of climate change look like?

Women’s International Peace Centre hosted a parallel event on 14th March at the 66th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women to further discussions on gender equality as it relates to climate change and environmental risk reduction within conflict-affected settings with a focus on women’s experiences and recommendations for advancing peace in this context.

Read More “UN Commission on the Status of Women 66: Advancing Feminist Peace in the Context of Climate Change”

By deliberately working towards tracking and supporting the well-being of women and girls through trauma healing and overcoming critical steps to wholesomely recover from war impact, Women’s International Peace Centre from time to time organises camps for adolescent girls from different schools in conflict affected areas.

On 4^th and 5^th March 2022, the Peace Centre organised a Girls’ Power Camp at Orungo Primary School in Amuria district under the theme ‘Building our leadership’ aimed at raising awareness on sexual and reproductive health rights, leadership, and managing the evolutionary trends of COVID-19.

The two-day camp brought together a total of 171 female students from Primary Five, Six, and Seven.

Sessions facilitated in the camp included; –

Reflection on pupils’ lives.

The session examined the impact of the closure of schools and the new challenges emerging with the new trends in COVID-19. Responses from the students reflected an increase in; orphaned children as a result of parents’ death from COVID-19, forced early marriages, teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, child abuse, GBV in form of sexual harassment, and many more.

Understanding our bodies

This session dealt with the physical and physiological changes during the growth and development of adolescent girls and how to understand their bodies. The physiological changes discussed included; Early marriage and childbearing; Contraction of infectious diseases like (AIDS/sexually transmitted infections); Sexual orientation, abuse or violence, and gender discrimination.

With the physical changes, Sr. Safia Ibiara explained that girls in their adolescence stage would start to experience breast enlargement, growth of pubic hair around their vaginal area, and menstruation which was defined as the shedding of the inner lining of the uterus/uterine wall that occurs during the stage of ripeness called ovulation.

The discussion also highlighted the facilitator’s recommendations for young girls to follow. These  included;

• Growth and development happens differently for everyone therefore girls were to stop comparing themselves to others. They were discouraged from using creams that had become popular for hip and buttock enhancement.
• Menstruation is a natural occurrence that begins as early as 8/9 years old and therefore those who started menstruating shouldn’t feel embarrassed.
• Students to take extra care of their vaginal health by frequently washing themselves and their private parts. They were encouraged to keep their undergarments clean and ensure personal hygiene was maintained especially during their menstruation period by bathing twice/thrice a day where applicable.
• Pubic hair is natural and therefore they shouldnot be ashamed of it. Young girls were encouraged to shave regularly using a clean razor blade or a shaver.
• Avoid having bad odor from poor hygiene and rather use deodorant or antiperspirant where applicable.
• Brushing teeth twice a day and were taught to brush in a circular motion and ensure they scrubbed their tongues as well.
• Ensuring smartness by keeping nails short and neat, ironing uniforms, keeping uniforms neatly tucked, and clothes clean.
• Abstaining from sex as they were still young. They were informed about HIV/AIDS, an incurable sexually transmitted disease, and other infections like Gonorrhea and Syphilis which caused health complications for young girls.
• Another consequence of what Sr. Safia termed as pre-mature sex was early pregnancy which also posed more complications for young girls like vaginal fistula that would lead to uncontrollable passing of urine.
• Seeking counsel with their senior women teachers or other teachers they felt comfortable with in cases where they had no other adult to rely on; on issues relating to their sexual and reproductive health, as well as their general well-being.

Finally, students were taught step by step practical skilling on making re-usable menstrual pads.

Evidence shows that women are always affected by war and yet are usually left out of peace processes. With the increasing need to deepen understanding of women’s participation in peacebuilding and the UNSCR 1325 key pillars of participation, prevention, protection and refugee recovery, Women’s International Peace Centre and Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) with support from the Embassy of Ireland partnered in an 8-month project “Women at the Centre of Sustaining Peace in Uganda” to promote the implementation of Uganda’s National Action Plan III (2021 – 2025) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) at the national level and in Karamoja, particularly Kotido and Moroto districts.

Read More “Women at the Centre of Sustaining Peace in Uganda Project Inception Meetings”

By implementing the project; Strengthening Capacities for Gender Based Violence Prevention and Peace Building in Humanitarian Context in Adjumani district, The Peace Centre conducted 4 monthly community meetings to influence people’s attitudes on Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and Women Peace Security concerns.

The four meetings were held in Ciforo Sub-County and Agojo Refugee settlement respectively between 1^st and 7^th March 2022 with a total of 444 people (325 females and 119 males) including area local council leaders in the host community and refugee welfare council in the refugee community.

Participants identified key contributing factors to VAW which they shared with culture highlighted as the root cause of VAW causing an imbalance of power between men and women. Other factors included; poor communication, poverty, alcoholism and drug abuse, ignorance, childlessness, and early marriage among other things.

The meetings facilitated in-depth discussion on VAW and enabled participants to identify with some scenarios in their community which helped them to develop recommendations for prevention and attitude change on key violence triggers such as sex in marriage, sex in pregnancy, cleared misconception on women’s emancipation and increased understanding that it’s about women’s participation in decision making, prevention of VAW and protection of women and girls from all forms of violence.

In addition, the meetings also enhanced participants’ understanding of responding to issues of VAW. This mainly addressed people’s perceptions and got them to appreciate that; all children are valuable regardless of their sex, women should be more involved in decision-making and victims of GBV should not be blamed for what has happened to them.

Participants were encouraged to intentionally and continuously challenge beliefs and community silence of VAW because Violence Against one woman is an injustice to all women and is a violation of Human Rights. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to

 

Tensions between refugees and the host communities over natural resources, livelihoods and land have sparked a few violent incidents and if not properly addressed could escalate into a broader conflict. The Peace Centre held 2 peace mediation sessions on 28th February and 5th March in Agojo refugee settlement over resource conflicts between the refugee and host community and a land conflict between the community of Ciforo and the Local Government over compensation of landowners whose land has been encroached by the opening of roads in Ciforo Central. 

Read More “Mediation Dialogues in the Host and Refugee Communities in Adjumani District”

On 3^rd March 2022, the Peace Centre convened a Stakeholder’s Advocacy Dialogue in Adjumani for women leaders and duty bearers at the District level to interface on women, peace and security issues. The meeting brought together 40 participants including community activists, village councillors, cultural leaders, local council leaders and district leaders.

The dialogue discussed key advocacy issues such as high bride price alcoholism, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, poor performance and low education of girls, Land and property rights, polygamy and its associated effects by stakeholders in the course of implementing action against GBV and creating peace within communities.

During the meeting, stakeholders resolved on;

• The need to emphasise family consent in handling land matters.
• Continuous sensitization among refugees
• Documentation of agreements regarding land utilization
• The need to advocate for mindset change since most people’s minds are dominated by cultural norms that perpetuate violence against women.
• Need to profile role model men for men to appreciate violent free relationships.
• Design activities that engage the entire household.
• Partners to consider incorporating gender action learning tools in the GBV prevention methodology.
• Local council 5 office to ensure implementation of the district ordinance on time for taking alcohol and make more copies available to the stakeholders at different levels.
• Emphasize the benefits and enhance awareness for the community to embrace change.
• Need to emphasize on rights-based approach with women and children being considered in all aspects of development

The meeting also clarified on Uganda’s constitution allowance for the free movement of refugees and peaceful coexistence. This implied that refugees cannot be denied access to animals because of limited grazing land considering that some are pastoralists. As a solution to the problem of stray animals, fines were imposed for both refugees and host communities whose animals are caught straying in people’s gardens.

By the end of the meeting, stakeholders resolved that every one of them had a role to play in ensuring peace in the community by taking action to drive the change they desire to see rather than waiting for others to cause the change for them.

“Conflicts start with us and it’s us to cause change because without peace all that we invest in is vanity. We should not wait for parliament to come and cause a change in our community” the Vice-chairperson LC5 emphasised.

On 24th February, The Peace Centre held a monitoring, mentorship and technical support workshop with 30 Community Activists from the host community of Ciforo Sub County and refugee communities ofAgojo settlement. The purpose of the workshop was to document the actions taken by community activists in preventing and responding to violence against women collectively or individually.

Read More “Monitoring, Mentorship and Technical Support for Community Activists”

The Gender Is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) Network virtually convened the 38 GIMAC, in line with the African Union (AU)’s decision to spotlight the critical role of nutrition in facilitating a healthy and prosperous continent. The meeting took place against the backdrop of various normative frameworks adopted by the African Union, in pursuit of a healthy continent, including the 2014 Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agriculture Growth and Transformation, which committed to ending hunger and reducing child stunting to 10 per cent and the underweight to 5 per cent by the year 2025. The 38 GIMAC further recognized the adoption of several normative instruments and policies such as the Africa Health Strategy 2016 – 2030; the Africa Regional Nutrition Strategy 2015 – 2025 (ARNS); the Declaration on Nutrition Security for Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa; and the Resolution on the Establishment of an Organization of African Unity (OAU) Inter-African Centre for Food Science, Technology and Nutrition.

Read More “Recommendations from the 38th GIMAC on Advancing Women’s Access to Economic Resources to Build Our Continent’s Resilience in Nutrition.”

The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in Chapter VI-Parameters of a Permanent Constitution sets out the guidelines on the permanent constitution-making process (PCMP). Read More “Women’s Participation in the Permanent Constitution-Making Process of South Sudan Information Brief”

In 2021, The Peace Centre in partnership with FOKUS conducted research on the advent and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on critical political, social and economic issues that have a direct bearing on women, peace and security in South Sudan.

The research is intended to inform stakeholders’ context-specific response around women peace and security that is evidence-based.

Download a copy here; Impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Women Peace and Security in South Sudan Research Report

From 1st to 4th February 2022,  the Gender Is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC Network) convened its 38^thVirtual Pre-summit CSOs Consultative meeting under the theme: Advancing Women’s Access to Economic Resources to Build Our Continent’s Resilience in Nutrition in Addis Ababa. 

The 38th GIMAC was co-moderated by Women’s International Peace Centre(The Peace Centre) and the Institute for Social Transformation, with support from the AU Commission for Social Affairs, the Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security and the AU Women, Youth, Gender and Development Directorate (AU YWGDD) sought to achieve the following objectives through the Pre-Summit Consultation;

1. Consolidate CSOs’ review of the AU legal and strategic framework on food security and nutrition taking a gender-transformative approach, focusing on achievements and critical gaps towards implementation;
2. Propose rights-based, inclusive, effective, and efficient strategies that enhance and utilize the agency and role of women and girls in realizing the vision for ending hunger and addressing hunger;
3. Strengthen intergenerationally and gender transformative approach towards the transformation of societal norms and institutional structures that guarantee a conducive environment for women’s human and economic rights;
4. Celebrate, document, and share best practices on innovations and positive approaches on gender and nutrition that advance gender equality; and
5. Provide space for African CSO’s strategic engagement with AU, RECs, UN Agencies, International Organizations, and other stakeholders.

Held in a hybrid and in-person format, the meeting brought together over 200 delegates from more than 20 countries, representing the AU, United Nations officials, Diplomatic missions, development partners, civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector and other interested groups. Key partners that participated in meetings included the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Plan International, MSD for Mothers, Oxfam, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), and Action Aid.

The Peace Centre facilitated partners of 3 national partners from Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the pre-summit meeting to inform discussions around the 2022 African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of Ste and Government.

Partners made presentations and recommendations that were received by the AU Women Gender and Youth Directorate (AUWGYD) Director, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, the AU Envoy on Youth and East African Community representative for presentation to technical committees and member states representations.

These focused on the need for the AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and member States to mainstream gender equality in food security responses in fragile states and to strengthen gender inclusiveness in its preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention, peace-making, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction.

Given that 38GIMAC was held against the backdrop of the pandemic seismic shifts triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially disruptions on the continent’s livelihoods and economies, participants noted how the corresponding mitigation measures such as partial lockdowns, border closures and movement restrictions, have been at the expense of reducing malnutrition.  The unprecedented Covid-19 prevention protocols not only resulted in constricted business activity, but also disrupted food supply chains, and curtailed small-scale agriculture, which is the main source of food and nutrition security in Africa. Not to talk of the full, and partial closure of schools, which resulted in a loss of access to school-feeding programmes, which has negatively affected the lives of children. Additionally, safety net programmes, including community nutrition programmes for women and children that were temporarily halted, exposed populations to food insecurity.

The recommendations from the 38 GIMAC Pre Summit meeting also emphasized the need to address structural and systemic drivers of poverty, gender inequality and socio-economic vulnerability, discrimination and violence against women and girls, as well as challenges of corruption, poor governance and limited political participation by women and youth.

SEE RECOMMENDATIONS

Women’s International Peace Centre and the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) with support from The Embassy of Ireland are partnering in an 8-month project “Women at the Centre of Sustaining Peace in Uganda” to promote the implementation of Uganda’s National Action Plan III (2021 – 2025) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) at the national level and in Karamoja, particularly Kotido and Moroto districts from January to August 2022.

Read More “Women at the Centre of Sustaining Peace in Uganda”

The Peace Centre in partnership with the Global Fund for Women is implementing a project Promoting Young Urban Refugee Women’s Leadership in Peacebuilding in Uganda aimed at promoting young urban refugee women and GBV survivors; leadership in peacebuilding processes and mechanisms in Uganda. As part of the project, the Peace Centre conducted a 3 days training of 30 young urban refugee women representatives from refugee-led organizations in Makindye division on advocacy and influencing, on UNSCR 1325, the contents, processes, and mechanisms associated with Uganda’s National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 from 12th to 14th January 2022.

Read More “Young Urban Refugee Women Leaders Trained on Women Peace and Security”

2020 was a pivotal year for gender equality. We marked 25 years of the ambitious Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and 20 years of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

However, the year also brought a health crisis, COVID-19 that exacerbated the existing gender inequalities. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the implementation of project activities and as a result, the methodology of some projects changed to use alternative means to meet the same goal. We adapted to organize more online meetings, cut down on meeting size, to include protective gear such as masks and sanitiser as essential materials for all activities and our staff continued working from home and accessing the office in shifts as needed.

Throughout 2020, it was inspiring, energizing and refreshing to see, women collectively and fiercely pushing boundaries for Feminist Peace. Looking back, we share with you some of our most significant moments resulting in impact and lessons learnt in our peacebuilding work in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, South Sudan and Uganda.

The Peace Centre’s 2020 Annual Report

We officially launched our research on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women Peace and Security in South Sudan with support from the Forum for Women and Development (FOKUS) and in partnership with the Centre for Inclusive Governance Peace and Justice on 17th November 2021 in Juba, South Sudan.

We, participants of the 1^st Annual Peace Convening held in Juba, Central Equatorial State meeting in Juba-South Sudan on 16^th November 16, 2021, under the ‘Promoting Women’s Needs and their Participation in the South Sudan Constitution-Making Process’ acknowledge our collective vision for sustainable peace in South Sudan and our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Central Equatorial State in particular and South Sudan in general. Read More “Outcome of the First Feminist Peace Convening in Central Equatorial State, Juba, South Sudan”

Alice Emasu Seruyange is an outstanding journalist, media guru who is passionate about gender equality and social justice in Uganda. She is the founder of The Association for the Rehabilitation and Re-orientation of Women for Development (TERREWODE) a non-government organization with the vision of Empowered women and girls embracing the world with improved livelihoods and an Alumni of the Peace Centre’s feminist institute.

After her participation in the Feminist Institute, Alice continued with heightened commitment to support women affected by fistulae to promote social justice.  Obstetric fistula (incl. vesicovaginal and recto-vaginal fistula) is present in conflict settings but remains neglected due to its complicated and stigmatic nature. Moreover, fistulae are characteristic of war-torn areas like the Teso sub-region in Uganda, the region that TERREWODE serves.

Given the high need for fistulae repairs in the post-conflict Teso sub-region, TERREWODE under the leadership of Alice has grown in capacity with highly professional staffing, an Executive Board of Directors, with a team of committed medical professionals.  Today, TERREWODE has a model institutional infrastructure to continually support the health, psychological and economic needs of women affected by fistulae. Alice shared that attending the Institute training broadened her initial dream of contributing to the transformation of the health systems to deliver for vulnerable women and girls including those suffering from the neglected Obstetric Fistula.

TERREWODE has supported over 800 women and girls fistulae survivors.  Alice opened in 2019 the first hospital in Uganda and the third in Africa dedicated to women suffering from obstetric fistula. The hospital conducts 200 surgeries per year and treat and reintegrate 600 women per year;15,000 women and girls affected by fistula treated and reintegrated. The hospital is the first specialized in Uganda and  an expansion of TERREWODE, the NGO I founded way back in 1999.

Alice also participated in the development of a National Strategy for Reintegrating young obstetric fistula survivors by the Ministry of Health in Uganda.  With her outstanding work on hand, Alice has been recognized and celebrated with:

• The prestigious award for her outstanding Reporting on Population and Development issues, and Economic and SRHR of rural women and girls (Dec. 2007).
• Golden Jubilee Award- Women and Girl Child Empowerment, Government of Uganda (2020)

Alice observes that the experience she gained through the Institute enabled me to be more aware of the impact of SGBV that women and girls experienced suffer  in the sub Saharan Africa.

Through this 52nd edition of Women’s World, women from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda share their thoughts and findings on the situation of women’s current and prospective participation in political and peace processes associated with elections. This Women’s World also challenges patriarchal norms and the practice of relegating women’s position and contributions to the private sphere, excluding them from deliberative dialogues in political and decision-making spaces across electoral processes.

We invite you to appreciate the perspectives and experiences of women as voters, candidates, political leaders, advocates for peaceful elections and key players in all electoral processes.

Womens’ World 52_FR 

Womens’ World 52_EN

À travers cette 52ème édition de Women’s World, des femmes du Burundi, de la République Démocratique du Congo et de l’Ouganda partagent leurs réflexions et expriment leurs points non seulement sur la situation de la participation dans le contexte du moment, mais également sur l’implication et la participation des femmes aux processus politiques et de paix associée aux élections. La réflexion de ces femmes expérimentées met en exergue sur les normes patriarcales et la pratique consistant à reléguer la position et les contributions des femmes à la sphère privée, en les excluant des dialogues délibératifs dans les espaces politiques et décisionnels à travers les processus électoraux.

Telecharger: Monde Des Femmes 52

In October 2021, The Peace Centre with support from the Stephen Lewis Foundation ran a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) of 23 Community-Based Facilitators for Peacebuilding aimed at building a pool of community-based facilitators on peacebuilding, mediation and leadership. Read More “Training of Trainers on Community Based Facilitation for Peacebuilding”

Women human rights defenders (WHRDs), peacebuilders, advocates for gender equality and other civil society leaders play a critical role in advancing peace, human rights and gender justice. Yet they are under attack for doing so. The Peace Center joined WHRDs in presenting their key recommendations for diplomatic missions to better protect their critical work in a gender responsive and transformative manner and the specific protection needs that WHRDs have. This was to inform Mission leads, staff and policy makers will gain insight in the gap between policy, protocols and practice. From WHRDs first hand, they will receive concrete ideas on how to bridge that gap and how to continue meaningful engagement with WHRDs.Over 180 (W)HRDs, mission staff, representatives of (I)NGOs, Member States and multilateral organizations registered for the event.

The discussion kicked off with a context setting that involved a look at the current situation for WHRDs and why they need specific protection measures This was followed by a Panel conversation by panelists;
Richard Arbeiter, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York
Caecilia Wijgers, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Afghanistan
Caroline Rucah, Executive Director Lets Be Tested Queens (Western Kenya LGBTQI+ Feminist Forum)
And Sandra Tumwesigye, Communication & Advocacy coordinator Women International Peace Center

The Panel took on discussing key recommendations for gender responsive and transformative protection that addressed; How diplomatic missions support individual WHRDs’ physical, mental, and economic safety. How diplomatic missions strengthen women’s rights organizations’ operational space and their resilience and How diplomatic missions enhance the understanding of, familiarization with, and support for a diversity of women’s voices within the mission?
From this discussion; problems faced by WHRDs were discussed as Lack of physical, mental, and economic safety of individual WHRDs, Limited/restricted travel/mobility options (ao needed to stay out of the hands of opponents), exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and/o additional identification requirements Psychological stress and trauma.

As a way forward, some of the things WHRDs need were discussed as; Supporting physical, mental, and economic safety of individual WHRDs Safe travel facilitations, support to not have to use public transport Short- and mid-term safe houses/ shelters (incl for WHRDs’ children / immediate family members under threat) & support of relocation both in and outside the country or region Providing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services, Advocate for establishing legal frameworks to criminalize violations against WHRDs Rapid response funding

The panel also discussed what Currently diplomatic missions are undertaking the following actions
Supporting physical, mental, and economic safety of individual WHRDs, Provision of temporary shelter through the Shelter City Program, as well as accompaniment of international organizations such as PBI Advocating for a victim-centered justice and WHRDs led approach. Partner with (I)NGOs providing gender sensitive MHPSS for WHRDs. Monitoring of attacks and restrictions, Speak up and speak out if WHRDs offices and meetings are restricted or attacked

And last but not least, the panel discussed how missions can address the current gaps through; Supporting physical, mental, and economic safety of individual WHRDs, Strengthen cooperation between EU countries to support (humanitarian) visas for relocation and/or to provide temporary shelter in the region. Collaborate with and assess lessons identified/learned from the Journalists in Distress Network and Protect Defenders
Advocate for establishing legal frameworks to criminalize violations against WHRDs Allocate a rapid response fund and periodically train staff how to respond in emergency cases.

The Peace Centre launched their 2nd Edition of The Feminist Peace Series Magazine in a virtual event co-hosted by the LSE Centre for Women Peace and Security on 22nd October 2021. The Feminist Peace Series was born out of the continuous inquiry into what Feminist Peace means in practice intending to showcase the different transformative approaches to peacebuilding.

Read More “Launch of the 2nd Edition of the Feminist Peace Series: Crisis as an Opportunity for Transformative Change”

Dans cette 2e édition de la Série Paix féministe, nous nous revenons sur la façon dont les femmes, les militantes féministes pour la paix ont réagis aux conséquences directes et indirectes de la COVID-19 et développons les implications pratiques et théoriques pour la paix féministe. Chacun des auteurs réfléchit sur les implications de la pandémie mondiale ancrée dans le local et le personnel – et encadré par leurs conceptions de la paix féministe. Dans cette mesure, cette collection ouvre de nouvelles possibilités épistémologiques, politiques et intellectuelles enrichissant les connaissances féministes.

Nous espérons que vous apprécierez la lecture de notre deuxième édition de la Série Féministe sur la paix.

Télécharger: Feminist Peace Series, 2ème édition

In this 2nd edition of the Feminist Peace Series, we focus on how women and, in particular, feminist peace activists are responding to the direct and indirect consequences of COVID-19 and elaborate on the practical and theoretical implications for feminist peace. Each of the authors reflects on the implications of the global pandemic grounded in the local and personal – and framed by their conceptions of feminist peace. To that extent, this collection opens up new epistemological, political and intellectual possibilities enriching feminist knowledge.

We hope you enjoy reading our second edition of the Feminist Peace Series.

Feminist Peace Series 2nd Edition_EN

Feminist Peace Series 2nd Edition_FR

Photo/Campaign for Female Education

By Margaret LoWilla 

The notion of youthhood is highly contested and cannot be separated from political implications about the distance between young people and formal structures of power. The transition, often indicated by age, denotes a shift from childhood to adulthood.  Beyond apparent and overt biological and physical changes is also positioning in the social order informed by cultural norms, gender and the economic and political context.[1]

This blog first explores the concept of youth as is related to politics and power. It then reflects on Young Women and their place in Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agendas.[2] It serves as the starting point of a series, following the peacebuilding activities of three groups of Young Women Leaders in South Sudan, trained by the Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre) in partnership with the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ). [3]

The Politics of Youthhood

At first glance, the term youth is used simply to define individuals who fall within a stipulated age category. For instance, the United Nations defines youth as individuals aged between 15 and 24, while the African Union and East African Community define youth as individuals between the age of 15 and 35. However, further exploration reveals that age categories are insufficient in determining youthhood. Definitions of youth vary in terms of age, space, time, location, gender, and socio-economic and political dynamics. As such, there are multiple categorizations of youth whose experiences differ considerably. ^[4]

Similarly, the meaning and definition of adulthood can shift easily from situation to situation. For example, in the context of conflict, age and gender roles are disrupted and disregarded as youth and women may commit acts of violence to ensure survival. Furthermore, in the case of the loss of parents, young people (of either gender) may be forced into the position of head of household, taking on the role of ‘protector’ and ‘provider’. In this way, categories of differentiation in age can vanish completely.[5]

The word ‘youth’ cannot be removed from politics and power. In African society, decision making and the public space is reserved for (male) adults and elites who seek to capture and maintain power. Politics is also an adult terrain where the subordination of the youth is justified in the name of culture and continuity.[6] Youth and age are socially constructed and easily manipulated. The capabilities of the youth are often exploited to sustain the power of those in authority while young people themselves feel increasingly disenfranchised, unable to access any tangible gains from the economy and society. Yet, their agency should not be underestimated, as their ability to organize their power to action can be an effective instrument for change as seen in the Arab Spring,  #EndSars Movement in Nigeria, #Zimbabweanlivesmatter, and other social movements around the continent. [7]

Additionally, the gendered construction of youth cannot be ignored. The use of overly masculine definitions, social norms, roles and rights favour male youth over female youth. This mirrors the patriarchal organization of society, which aims to ensure that male youth inherit power. The power dimension of youth is also visible in the internationalization of Western notions of childhood, youth and adulthood.

The international policy and legal frameworks on childhood and perhaps youth, emphasize their innocence and victimhood. The implication is that they are considered only in terms of their vulnerability, negating their capacity as active agents during both peace and conflict.[8]

Situating Young Women in Peace and Security

The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and  Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas call for inclusive planning, programme design, policy development and decision-making processes for conflict prevention, resolution and recovery.[9] United Nations Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1325 is the landmark global normative framework that recognized the unique experiences of women and girls during armed conflict. UNSCR 1325 is extensive, consisting of 18 articles that are representative of four main pillars: participation, prevention, protection, relief and recovery.[10] United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 adopted in 2015 has 5 key pillars: participation, protection, prevention, partnerships and disengagement and reintegration. It is the first of its kind which acknowledges the role of youth in the peace process. The resolution calls for the inclusion of youth in decision making and further urges the Member States to establish mechanisms that would facilitate the meaningful participation of youth in peace processes.[11]

In peace and security discourse, youth and gender are often mentioned separately and treated as individual blocs. Customarily, the term ‘youth’ is used in reference to young men. ^[12] In the eight women, peace and security related United Nations Security resolutions ‘women’ are referenced all through, six give specific mention to ‘girls’^[13].  “Youth” is included in UNSCR 2242, while UNSCR 2282 on the review of the Peacebuilding Architecture, adopted after UNSCR 2250 (2015), mentions “young people”. Young women are consistently subsumed into these different categories as they are not explicitly mentioned, likely leading to their exclusion.^[14]

Reference to young women in policies is limited to their protection or addressing discrimination. This emphasis on their vulnerability consequently denies their agency and potentially transformative role in peacebuilding. In many contexts, young women face double discrimination for being young and female.  As belonging to the youth category, they are marginalized from national and international public institutions that ignore and underestimate their critical contributions and potential. While in the women category they are left out due to assumptions about their abilities. At this intersection, gender and age biases combine to further limit the inclusion of young women in formal political and peace processes.^[15]

In South Sudan, there are very few safe spaces where young women can meet to organize alliances and build friendships beyond the private/domestic sphere thus limiting their social networks and political awareness. In the case where women engage in public forums, they are often targets of intimidation. Real or perceived threats to their security contribute to their self-censorship and restrict them to the home.^[16] Furthermore, discriminatory sociocultural norms and practices that hinder women and girls’ education, empowerment and economic freedom are the root causes of their limited participation.^[17]

Women groups and youth groups have been known to work together to increase their power and influence on peace and political processes. However, this collaboration is not constant and certainly not guaranteed.

As senior women and young women often have diverging needs and priorities, established women’s groups may not automatically include young women or their perspectives to increase their participation in politics or peace processes. Furthermore, the reality of limited funding often results in support being directed to well-established women’s organizations.^[18]

Young Women Building Peace in South Sudan

Though South Sudan is a signatory to both UNSCR 1325 and UNSCR 2250, young women’s participation in peace and political processes is limited. As the country is in the transitional phase of implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the participation of young women cannot be overemphasized.

One of the recommendations provided by the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) on bridging the gaps between the WPS and YPS agendas is to, ‘Empower and support young women and their participation in peace and security initiatives and consider specific actions to support young women in leadership spaces.’[19] Accordingly, the Women’s International Peace Centre in partnership with the Centre of Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ) brought together and trained 20 young women aged 18 to 35 from political parties and civil society organisations to strengthen their capacity to participate in and influence peace processes and their outcomes from a gender perspective.[20] The young women were put in three groups, where they came up with action plans that they would implement. This series follows the implementation of the action plans to document and highlight the efforts of young women as active agents of peace.

[1] Fabiano, Chimwemwe et. al (2021) “Who Will Silence the Guns? (The Youth As African Solutions To African Problems),” Young African Leaders Journal, vol. 3, no. 19, https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1105&context=yaljod

[2] UN Women (2018), ‘’Young Women in Peace and Security: At The Intersection of The YPS and WPS Agendas,”   https://www.youth4peace.info/system/files/2018-10/UNWOMEN_YPS.pdf

[3] Women’s International Peace Centre (2021), ‘’Refresher Training of Young Women Peace Builders in South Sudan,’’ https://wipc.org/refresher-training-of-young-women-peace-builders-in-south-sudan/

[4] Durham, Deborah (2000), ‘’Youth and the Social Imagination in Africa,’’ Anthropological Quarterly, Vol. 73, No. 3, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Deborah-Durham/publication/240745366_Youth_and_the_Social_Imagination_in_Africa/links/5589668608ae2affe71502c7/Youth-and-the-Social-Imagination-in-Africa.pdf

[5] Ibid

[6] Diouf, Mamadou (1996), ‘’ Urban Youth and Senegalese Politics: Dakar 1988-1994,’’ https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/publication/dioufe.PDF

[7] Durham, Deborah (2000)

[8] Boyden Jo (1997), “Childhood and the policymakers: A comparative perspective on the globalization of childhood,” https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315745008-10/childhood-policy-makers-jo-boyden

[9] UN Women, Preventing Conflict, Transforming Justice, Securing the Peace: A Global Study on the Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, 2015.

[10] What is UNSCR 1325? An Explanation of the Landmark Resolution on Women, Peace and Security,’ electronic source, United States Institute of Peace, https://www.usip.org/gender_peacebuilding/about_UNSCR_1325#:~:text=UNSCR%201325%20affirms%20that%20peace,the%20forging%20of%20lasting%20peace

[11] UNSCR 2250 | Introduction, https://www.youth4peace.info/UNSCR2250/Introduction

[12]  United Nations Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development’s Working Group on Youth and Peacebuilding, ‘Young People’s Participation in Peacebuilding: A Practice Note’, with support from PeaceNexus Foundation, 2016. Available from: http:// www.un.org/en/peacebuilding/pbso/pdf/ Practice%20Note%20Youth%20&%20 Peacebuilding%20-%20January%202016. pdf

[13] UNSCR 1325, 1820, 1888, 1889, 1960, 2106, 2122 and 2242

[14] UN Women Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security (2018), ‘Young Women in Peace and Security at the Intersection of WPS and YPS, New York

[15] Walker, D., Pereznieto, P., Bergh, G. and Smith, K. Partners for change: Young people and governance in a post-2015 world, ODI, Plan and Restless Development, 2014, p.11. Available from: http://restlessdevelopment.org/file/ partners-for-change-young-people-and governance-in-a-post-2015-world-pdf.

[16]  United Nations, World Youth Report: Youth Civic Engagement, 2016. Available from: http://www.unworldyouthreport.org/images/docs/un_world_youth_report_youth_ civic_engagement.pdf.

[17] Soule, S. and Nairne, J., Are Girls Checking Out? Gender and Political Socialization in Transitioning Democracies, Center for Civic Education, 2006. Available from: http://www. civiced.org/pdfs/research/GenderAndPolitical. pdf.

[18] UN Women event, Building Sustainable Peace for all: Synergies between the WPS agenda and YPS agenda, 11 March 2017, United Nations Headquarters, New York.

[19] UNDPPA (2021), ‘Women Peace and Security (WPS) & Youth Peace and Security (YPS) Complementarities of the two agendas,’ Women Peace and Security (WPS) & Youth Peace and Security (YPS) Complementarities of the two agendas

[20] Women’s International Peace Centre, ‘Young Women Leading for Peace,’ Blog, https://wipc.org/young-women-leading-for-peace/

The Peace Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Conflict Early Warning and Early Response system (CEWERU) has been holding routine quarterly feedback meetings with Members of the National Steering Committee to receive and respond to early warning reports from violence monitors, peace mediators and Members of the District Peace Committee and take action. Between 30^th September to 1^st October 2021, The Peace Centre held a 2-day feedback meeting with the National Steering Committee to review early warning reports compiled from Yumbe, Adjumani, Kotido, Arua, Kassanda, Kapelebyong, Lira, Soroti, Luwero and Kampala.

Read More “National Feedback Meeting to Draw Actions and Recommendations for Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Uganda”

Women’s International Peace Centre as a Just Future partner organized and hosted a 4-day Regional Learning and Networking Exchange for local partners from Burundi, DRC and South Sudan for 22 delegates. The Regional Exchange targeted 20 representatives 4 Burundi (Bujumbura), 7 DRC (Kinshasa, Bukavu and Goma), 5 South Sudan (Juba) CSO partners and 4 Peace Centre staff. The practical learning space provided participants with a first-hand account from similar organisations and interaction with experts on Post Conflict peace building, building strong networks, access to justice through legal clinics as well lessons on Security Sector Reform, Women Peace and Security in the Great lakes region and built relationships with civil society.

Read More “Regional Learning and Networking Exchange Visit on Peace, Security and Justice”

The Peace Centre joined the launch and dissemination of the 2020 report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the implementation of the Women Peace and Security Agenda in Africa. This was hosted virtually by the Office of the Special Envoy for Women, Peace, and Security and attended by the Member States and other stakeholders on 22nd and 23rd September 2021. This is the second report based on the progress reports from regional economic communities and member states, developed using the Continental Results Framework (CRF). The meeting also launched the process of writing the 2021 Presidency Report on Women, Peace and Security. The two-day launch, which was a follow-up to the December 2019 meeting in Dakar, Senegal, was attended by high-level representatives from the Member States, regional economic communities/mechanisms; the United Nations, civil society organizations, centres of excellence, and gender networks. Read More “Launch Of The 2020 Report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the Implementation of the Women Peace and Security Agenda In Africa”

The Peace Centre’s trained Youth Peace ambassadors in commemoration of 2021’s World Peace Day hosted a Tweet-chat under the theme “Shaping Peace Together” with a belief that shaping peace is everyone’s responsibility.  The Tweet chat explored opportunities for youth participation in peacebuilding in their communities and aimed to transform youth perspectives towards shaping peace as we all have a role to play towards shaping and ensuring peace and security.

Read More “Youth Peace Ambassadors Shaping Peace Together Tweet-Chat”

The Peace Centre in partnership with the Centre for Inclusive Governance (CIGPJ), Peace and Justice conducted a three days training from 8th-10th September for  women and men in Mundri, Yei, Bor and Juba. The training was conducted to better prepare and equip community-based peace mediators with relevant skills and techniques, to localize conflict resolution skills within the community, to increase knowledge of why integrating a gender perspective is important and how it can strengthen peacebuilding and state building processes. Read More “Community Based Peace Advocates and Mediators in Juba, Yei, Bor and Mundri Trained on Conflict Prevention And Resolution”

Between 7th August to 2nd September, The Peace Centre conducted a series of three days’ refresher training on peacebuilding and conflict resolution for 92 conflict analysts and conflict monitors from refugee and host communities in Yumbe, Adjumani and Kotido. The Peace Centre is working with District Peace Committees, Women Peace Mediators, Conflict Analysts and Conflict monitors as the peace structures at District and community level and National Steering Committee at the national level to institutionalize gender-sensitive conflict early warning and early response system. The training was supported by UN Women under the project promoting women’s effective participation in peacebuilding in Uganda.

Read More “Refresher Training on Peacebuilding for Conflict Monitors and Analysts in Adjumani, Yumbe and Kotido”

SASA! Together is an activist approach for preventing violence against women. This guide is a revised edition of the SASA! Activist Kit for Preventing Violence Against Women and HIV.

Set-Up-Guide-SASA-Together-FINAL

The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare (MGCSW) in collaboration with the Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre) conducted two training sessions on Women, Peace and Security. The training targeted Gender Focal Persons (GFPs) from Government institutions in South Sudan. Both sessions took place at Royal Palace Hotel, Juba, in South Sudan from August 10th – 15th 2019 and September 21st -25th 2020.

This training is part of The Peace Centre’s drive in enhancing capacities to promote development and peace, by monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in South Sudan.

This report highlights the discussions and key training areas: Women’s Influence in Post Conflict Governance in South Sudan 2020

To end the culture of violence against women in humanitarian contexts, The Peace Centre trained 30 Community Activists (25 women and 5 men) from Ciforo Sub County and Agojo Refugee Settlement in Adjumani District from 20th to 22nd August 2021. This training engaged the Community Activists on how to use their collective power to create and sustain positive change that prevents Violence Against Women (VAW) through the Action Phase.  The Action phase is the fourth and last phase under the SASA Together methodology that aims to address the root cause of VAW and the power imbalance between women and men at both the individual and community levels.

Read More “Community Activists Trained to take Action in Preventing Violence Against Women.”

For peace initiatives to remain sustainable in the long term, women must be included in every level of the process. From 10th to 20th August, the Peace Centre held 4 mediation training workshops for 204 women peace mediators from the refugee and host communities to equip them to mediate and resolve conflicts within and between communities in Yumbe and Adjumani districts.

Read More “New Cohort of Women Peace Mediators Trained in Yumbe and Adjumani District.”

From 17th to 18th August, the Peace Centre held a two day’s training of 33 stakeholders in the circle of influence at the district level using the SASA! Together methodology aimed at strengthening their capacities for gender-based violence prevention and peacebuilding in Adjumani District. Participants included local government officials, civil servants, political leaders, police, cultural leaders among others. 

Read More “Training Stakeholders at the District level Using the SASA! Together Methodology”

The Peace Centre concluded a 5 days refresher training from 5th to 10 August on conflict prevention and conflict transformation for 25 Women Peace Mediators, 30 Conflict Monitors and Analysts in Yumbe District. Since 2019, the Peace Centre has trained over 400 mediators, Conflict analysts and monitors at the local and national levels.

Read More “Refresher Training on Conflict Prevention and Conflict Transformation in Yumbe District, Uganda.”

Read More “COVID-19 Response in Yumbe, Kotido and Adjumani District.”

Women and young people all over the world are playing an important role in peace and development. The leaders trained under the project “Promoting Peaceful Electoral processes in Uganda through Constructive Engagements” with support from the Kingdom of Belgium are from different constituencies, implying the need for a wide range of actors and movements needed to promote stability and peacee in Africa. 

In March 2021, The Peace Centre enhanced the skills and attitude of women and youth leaders to effectively promote peace, enhance leadership and development that is gender-responsive. The training covered areas including conflict analysis (peacebuilding and reconciliation), governance, leadership and mediation skills. 101 Women and youth leaders (50 Women Leaders and 51 Youth) from Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), political, religious, cultural groups, and influential leaders took part in the training in the Kampala region.

We documented some of the women and youth peacebuilders’ stories and hope that other women peacebuilders in similar situations can draw learning and inspiration from these experiences. 

Jalia Sekamate, Executive Director, Centre for Rehabilitation of Survivors of Acid and Burn Violence, Makindye

“The skills gained from the training inspired the women from Kampala to create and register an association called Women Resilience Centre (WRC). This association aims at bringing together women with different expertise to work together to promote peace in the communities using different approaches such as mediation and negotiation. Immediately after the training, we convened the first meeting and were able to bring together 14 women to brainstorm on the way forward as a group.  We invited an inspirational speaker who emphasized the advantage of unity in order to achieve greater things. We later created a WhatsApp group, constituted an Executive Committee with I (Jalia) as the chairperson and Wanyana Catherine as the treasurer and embarked on the development of a constitution and registration process of the association. Our vision is to see the association grow into a big organization that will transform communities. 

WRC has so far supported young mothers who were affected by COVID-19 and also those who got pregnant during the first wave. We have also provided counselling services. We have also mediated in cases of child neglect, parents disowning their daughters who got pregnant and GBV cases that have increased in the community due to lack of a stable income and the current lockdown situation. During this second wave, WRC mobilised and visited the neediest communities in Makindye and Rubaga buying them posho, beans and soap.

Unfortunately, the planned business exhibition by the association on 20th May 2021 was not held because of the  lockdown however they plan to host one when the lockdown is eased and the spread of community cases has been contained- Jalia Sekamate, Executive Director, Centre for Rehabilitation of Survivors of Acid and Burn Violence, Makindye 

Women are strengthening community-led initiatives for peace through this forum, in which they agreed to be a whistleblowers network on SGBV across cross-cutting challenges that undermine women’s agency. By undertaking this work, women leaders are challenging the status quo and promoting equality. 

Alawo Florence Zam, Youth Leader, Naguru Barracks Ntinda 

In my village, the number of school-going girls getting pregnant is high, especially between the ages of 13 and 15. From the training I was well equipped with communication and presentation skills thereafter, I was able to do some research to determine the number of girls who have not gone back to school due to pregnancy and with this information, I engaged with Alarm Uganda Orphanage to intervene and talk to the families of these girls and allow them to go back to school. We purchased scholastic materials and other necessary requirements for their enrollment in school. We continued to closely monitor the girls’ education and ensure that their guardians provided for them.- Alawo Florence Zam, Youth Leader, Naguru Barracks Ntinda 

Poverty is a driver of violence and continuously increases women’s vulnerability to violence in all its forms. This was one of the outstanding discussions during training. Florence used her daily stipend to support 3 women in her community as she narrates below; 

“I used to stay in the barracks and I witnessed the challenges that wives to soldiers go through every day due to over-dependence on the man as the breadwinner. Some women would come to me to borrow money to buy food and yet they did not have any source of income to pay back. I used to share with them some food to supplement what they have.

After the empowering sessions during the peacebuilding training, I reflected on how I can help my fellow women in the barracks to economically sustain themselves and their families. I convened a meeting with three women whom I shared with the knowledge acquired and at the end of the meeting I tasked each one of them to identify a small business that they can run within their homestead. I distributed the money equally with each one getting Thirty thousand shillings (UGX.30,000). One of the women started by frying cassava in the mornings and has now expanded to frying samosas as well, another started frying pancakes and the third one started selling Mandazi and has now expanded by selling passion juice. I am glad that these women are growing economically and can support their families as well. 

When the husband of one of the women returned from his mission, he was very impressed and happy with how his wife has become creative. When the wife shared with the husband how the story began, he was motivated to come to visit me and expressed his gratitude and thanked me for making such a priceless contribution to his family. Until today all the women in the barracks call upon me for advice and refer to me as their saviour.” – Alawo Florence Zam, Youth Leader, Naguru Barracks Ntinda 

These initiatives are a step towards women’s access and control of their economic resources. It guarantees them an improved livelihood, eases their access to healthcare, basic needs and food security. 

Nakibuuka Proscovia, Business Woman, Nansana

“As a professional teacher, I have always desired to start up a school of my own but considering the little salary I earn, my dreams have almost been shuttered. My turning point was when I was invited by the Women’s International Peace Centre to attend a peacebuilding training at Hotel Emerald in Kampala. From the training, I am glad to say that my capabilities were awakened and my fears were erased. After the training in March 2021, I took the most important decision that I always had fears about. I resigned from my teaching and decided to do poultry farming as a business which I hope with the projected annual returns, I will be able to realize my goal in a few years to come. After that initial step, I researched the best type of birds to rear, developed a business plan and built the standard house for the birds. Currently, I have 300 birds and I expect my farm to grow to 10,000 birds by the end of the year. I appreciate the Peace Centre for empowering me and motivating me to work towards achieving my goals. I have learnt that life is only for go-getters.”- Nakibuuka Proscovia, Business Woman, Nansana 

One of the training sessions covered economic empowerment and women and youth were encouraged to start up small businesses, achieve financial success, as well as take pride and celebrate their accomplishments. 

Youth leaders 

Nassuna Carol, Youth Counselor, Ggaba

“I was born and raised in a slum area referred to as “ghetto” in Ggaba in Kampala district where the poverty levels are so high. Most youth (boys and girls) in our area indulge in drug and alcohol abuse. To make it worse, the majority of the abusers are aged 10 to15 years old which has resulted in many girls in the same age bracket getting unwanted pregnancies.

After the training from the Peace Centre, I realized I have a big role to play as a Youth Leader in my community, to change the behaviour of the youth. I approached NGOs like World Vision and Uplift Uganda and we discussed effective approaches for intervention in the ghetto given that such groups are very sensitive and suspicious of people who are different from them. 

The next day we called a meeting for all ghetto youth and here we convinced them of how they need to save for their future. From the meeting, the youth agreed to save UGX.2,000 (Two thousand shillings) every day and we formed a saving group called  Achievers and Innovative Youth Savings Group which currently has 16  members actively saving. They started saving in April which has now accumulated to UGX.2,000,000 however since the lockdown in June, the group stopped saving but hope to resume when the current situation has eased. I am happy to say that most youths have taken up the saving culture as the driving force to reduce the money they were spending on buying drugs and focus on saving for their future needs.

I have also engaged with different organizations like Red Cross and Living Goods: a voluntary organization that trains door to door delivery services for pregnant mothers and children. In this period, we’ve managed to distribute food and sanitary materials to elderly women, pregnant mothers and children.

At a personal level, I thank the Peace Centre for empowering me to use my voice to influence change in my ghetto and I have gained confidence and knowledge and will use my voice to change the attitude of my fellow youth.” Nassuna Carol, Youth Counselor, Ggaba

Carol continues to cultivate leadership qualities and skills among young people in her community building on their knowledge and experience in leading change in their community.  

Environmental conflicts are about power and structural inequalities, it is important to have solutions that address those root causes. The ways of addressing them vary and include community capacity building, class actions, litigation and movement building. Timothy and his organization EcONUTA Food Waste Company are working to promote food security and protect the environment by recycling and reusing food. 

Timothy Mununuzi, Nutritionist 

“This training was an opportunity for me to enhance the conceptualization of my project on Food Wastage and Hunger in Uganda. During the training, one of the sessions focused on environmental conflict and degradation, and also provided us alternatives on recycling and reuse. After the peacebuilding training, I reflected on a project that falls within my profession as a Nutritionist. Back home most people pay for garbage collection which largely constitutes the left-over foods from different homes. Out of this, I realized there is a lot of food wastage in my community which can be reprocessed either as manure, energy regeneration or distributed to vulnerable communities to supplement their food.

I am developing a proposal to start up an initiative to empower fellow youth through recycling wasted food. I plan to coordinate with hotels and restaurants in order to secure the supply chain which we shall later sort and categorize for different recycling processes. Currently, I am doing a lot of research with other firms to come up with a clear operational plan. I am determined to  get more knowledge and skills to make my ideas realistic and beneficial to my community.”- Timothy Mununuzi, Nutritionist 

The progress so far achieved by these women and youth leaders shows the urgency in empowering women and youth peacebuilders, mediators and agents of change. Peacebuilders continue to work on a range of socio-cultural, political, economic, environmental, personal and community level interventions as documented above, to minimize the impact of inequalities and conflict fragility. The various initiatives are reflective of strengthened capacities, improved competencies, personal growth, changing knowledge skills and practices to promote a culture of peace. The Peace Centre is committed to providing spaces and amplifying these voices of women and youth for peace and security.

An election free of violence, intimidation, coercion, bribery, incitement, misinformation, fear and sectarian tendencies is likely to produce peace, stability, social harmony and prosperity. Election-related conflict and violence have caused political unrest, partisan hatred, mistrust of political leadership and divisions in society. This undermines social cohesion, national unity, political stability and economic progress

In 2019, The Peace Centre with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Kampala commissioned a research study on Election-related conflict and violence in Uganda to understand the relationship between free, fair and legitimate elections and the observance of human rights and freedoms of citizens, before, during and after elections.

Election-Related Conflict and Violence in Uganda

As one of the key outcomes of the Generation Equality Forum, the Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action (WPS-HA Compact) aims to mobilize an inter-generational, inclusive movement for action in the next five years to implement existing commitments on women, peace and security and gender equality in humanitarian action.

Read More “Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action Compact Launch”

The Generation Equality Forum (GEF) is a civil society centred, multi-stakeholder, global gathering for gender equality convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France, in partnership with youth and civil society. The Forum brings together feminist advocates from across the globe to foster action and renew movements for gender equality. The Forum kicked off in Paris from 30 June to 2 July 2021, launching a series of concrete, ambitious and transformative actions to achieve immediate and irreversible progress towards gender equality.

Read More “Generation Equality Forum Official Opening Ceremony”

The Peace Centre has been implementing a project on “Women leading change in post-conflict governance in Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan” from February 2019 to October 2020. We conducted an end-line evaluation of the women leading change in post-conflict governance in the DRC and South Sudan program, with the intention of assessing the effectiveness of the program; track the changes that have emerged as a result of program implementation, and generate new lessons to inform future programming of the Peace Centre.

Read More “Women Leading Change in Post Conflict Governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan Evaluation Report”

Le Centre pour la paix, en partenariat avec Cordaid, a mené une étude pour faire le point sur 20 ans de résolution 1325 du Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies en mettant l’accent sur le rétrécissement des espaces dans les plates-formes mondiales et régionales d’élaboration de politiques pour les organisations de défense des droits des femmes axées sur le programme pour les femmes, la paix et la sécurité.

L’étude a exploré les possibilités d’accès, de participation et d’influence des femmes bâtisseuses de la paix dans les espaces d’élaboration des politiques. En particulier, l’étude s’est appuyée sur des entretiens qualitatifs avec des femmes bâtisseuses de la paix et a fait le point sur les plates-formes politiques existantes aux niveaux national, régional et mondial, analysé les cultures institutionnelles  qui étayent différentes plates-formes d’élaboration des politiques et les implications de ces cultures institutionnelles pour l’accès, la participation et l’influence des femmes dans les processus de consolidation de la  paix. Les chercheurs ont ensuite exploré les possibilités existantes de repenser et de renforcer l’accès, la participation et l’influence (donner la voix à la femmes) des femmes dans les plateformes d’élaboration des politiques afin de promouvoir un programme de transformation pour la paix.

Télécharger: Rétrécir les espaces pour les femmes bâtisseuses de la paix et les organisations qui font progresser la paix féministe

The Peace Centre in partnership with Cordaid conducted a study to take stock of 20 years of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 with a focus on the Shrinking Spaces at Global and Regional policy-making platforms for Women’s Rights Organisations focused on the Women Peace and Security Agenda.

Read More “Shrinking Spaces for Women Peacebuilders and Organizations Advancing Feminist Peace”

By Evelyn Birungi

Conflicts and wars remain gendered in their impact, having women mostly targeted and sexually violated. Sexual violence is defined as any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion. The United Nation General Assembly’s 2015 resolution proclaimed 19 June as a day to condemn and call for the end of conflict-related sexual violence, and honour victims, survivors and those fighting to end these most terrorizing and destructive of crimes. The date was deliberately chosen to commemorate UN Security Council Resolution 1820 (2008) which first recognized the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, rather than an unintended consequence of war.

Violence especially sexual violence against women and girls is a human rights violation, and the immediate and long-term physical, sexual, and mental consequences for women and girls can be devastating, including death. It negatively affects women’s general well-being and prevents women from fully participating in society. It impacts their families, their community, and the vital role of women in preventing conflict and helping to forge peace.

“Children conceived through wartime rape often struggle with issues of identity and belonging for decades after the guns have fallen silent. Their mothers may be marginalized and shunned by their own families and communities. On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we amplify the voices of these forgotten victims of war, who suffer stigma, shame and exclusion in societies polarized by armed conflict.”— UN Secretary-General, António Guterres

While there has been more international attention given to sexual violence in armed conflict, its still a problem that hasn’t gone away. This is because, it is used in war as power play. The male demand for female labor to perform female household chores persists during armed conflict. These patterns of social dominance and deeply engrained gender specific roles get violently expressed in wartime and women are sexually violated for the sins the perpetrators believe their communities have committed.

Secondly, outrage about rape in conflict have failed to translate into investigation and prosecution of perpetrators Over the past decade, estimates have been made that only 37% of reported rapes are prosecuted, and other research studies estimate that only 14-18% of reported sexual assaults of any kind lead to prosecution. Lastly, inadequate relief and recovery services for survivors of wartime sexual assault reflect official disregard for the harm women and girls suffer in the course of conflict and suggests a lack of commitment to facilitating rape survivors’ reintegration into society.

Collectively we can look and work towards a future free of conflict-related sexual violence by creating a world and culture where all are equal. Conflicts rarely happen abruptly, by monitoring and empowering women as peace builders, we can work towards a place where women are seen more than labor for household chores and keepers of the peace.

Governments and international systems of justice have the responsibility to put in place laws on prohibition and commit to investigations and punishment of these crimes. It definitely needs to go without saying that sexual violence, is a crime and cannot be justified. Sexual violence in armed conflicts must be subject to an absolute prohibition, the same status that the crime of torture currently enjoys.

 Governments committed to the recovery of sexual violence survivors must undertake efforts to improve women’s human rights in all aspects of their lives and eradicate discrimination against them. This includes incorporation and reaffirming its commitment to the continuing and full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) . This would especially refer to the pillar on relief and recovery which calls for advancement of relief and recovery measures to address international crises through a gendered lens, including by respecting the civilian and humanitarian nature of refugee camps, and considering the needs of women and girls in the design of refugee camps and settlements.

The Curriculum builds on lessons learned by the Eminent Women in the WSR-Uganda Uganda (2016), whose work confirmed that a culture of peaceful elections needs to be inculcated in the country. Uganda needs structural conflict prevention, and not just respond to violence outbreaks that arise prior, during and after elections.

This Curriculum serves as one of the institutional mechanism to provide content, process and tools for Early Warning, Early Response and Conflict Transformation work. The Curriculum has also been customized to develop knowledge products for different stakeholders to enhance their skills and attitude to effectively promote governance, peace and development that is gender-responsive.

Championing A Culture of Peace_A Training Toolkit on Conflict Prevention Transformation and Peace Building

Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA) is an umbrella Community-Based Organization for women groups that started out in November 2002. The group converged for meetings under a tree locally called ‘Ekere’ thus the name Nakere Rural Women Activists. It was established as a community response to the humanitarian crisis in Karamoja, to address cross border and inter-ethnic political instability, the rise of warlords, high domestic violence, and discrimination of women in the society and overall adverse poverty. Read More “Meet our Grassroots Partner- Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA)”

As a member of the Just Future alliance, The Peace Centre hosted a training workshop focused on understanding the African Union and Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms from 31 May to 4 June 2021 for the Just Future Partners. The Training was planned as an initial activity to contribute to strengthening the local and national CSOs in Burundi, DRC, and South Sudan to better influence security, justice and governance policies and practices in their countries and in the region.

30 representatives of CSO partners from Burundi (Bujumbura), DRC (Kinshasa, Bukavu and Goma), South Sudan (Juba) and Peace Centre staff in each of the countries with minimal exposure to or experience with regional advocacy participated in the training. The training was planned as an initial activity to contribute to strengthening the capacity /meeting the learning needs of local/national CSOs in Burundi, DRC and South Sudan to better influence security, justice and governance policies and practices: Lobby and advocate at regional level in support of the national processes by advocating for more people-centred practices: holding regional partners of state duty-bearers to account, and ensuring accountability towards the most excluded constituencies. 

Each day of the training covered particular themes such as understanding the global governance architecture and the space of multilateralism, the AU’s key policy priorities, including the continental blueprint, Agenda 2063, the Regional Economic Communities/ Regional Mechanisms (RECs/ RMs): their history, background, various structures and main legal and policy frameworks. The session on gender and inclusivity in the AU and RECs identified opportunities for strengthening women and youth participation in AU and RECs/ RMs structures and processes, and finally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CSOs work, particularly their lobbying and advocacy work.

The training also involved country team discussions to deepen sharing, learning, connectedness and work towards developing an advocacy plan and other practical training tools.  While the training was conducted online, participants gathered in physical locations in each city (Juba, Bujumbura, Bukavu and Kinshasa) to facilitate exchanges with colleagues from partner CSOs. 

By the end of the 5days training, participants were exposed to the entry points and opportunities for policy engagement, lobbying and advocacy, especially structures that they could collaborate with for an effective advocacy strategy including working more closely with the AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, the AU Youth Envoy, the AU Women, Gender and Development Directorate as well as the AU Youth Division. They also developed draft Joint Advocacy Strategies to address cross-cutting issues in Burundi, DRC and South Sudan.

Additionally, the training workshop provided a platform for peer-to-peer exchange and enabled deeper reflection issues facing CSOs in conflict and post-conflict countries.  This creation of platforms and spaces for CSOS to meet, exchange, reflect and strategize, and investment in fostering intergenerational dialogue is important. The Just Future Programme has an opportunity to continue bringing CSOs from select countries to share experiences and realities and discuss agendas and strategies.

 

The Peace Centre hosted a 3-day exchange visit with 40 women peacebuilders from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan & Uganda, living as refugees in Uganda to reflect on the past 20 years of implementing the Women Peace and Security agenda.

Discussions during the visit focused on progress, challenges, and opportunities to advance implementation, in a way that addresses the priorities of displaced women. They also exchanged practical experiences, good practices and strategies to support the work of women mediator networks of Adjumani, Yumbe and Kotido.

This report documents the voices and impact stories of women, including young women, who are taking leadership in advancing the women peace and security agenda and contributed to COVID-19 in their communities.

20 Years of Grassroots Women Building Peace Report

This study identifies key achievements in line with the advancement of the women, peace and security agenda, the challenges and recommended actions for future intervention in relation to the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women in South Sudan.

20 Years Of Implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 On Women Peace and Security in South Sudan Research Brief

In 2020, The Peace Centre undertook a research study to critically assess the progress made, successes and challenges encountered in line with the implementation of the South Sudan National Action Plan (SSNAP) on UNSCR 1325.

The study identifies key achievements in line with the advancement of the women, peace and security agenda, the challenges and recommended actions for future intervention in relation to the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women in South Sudan. The study which also integrates issues of youth, peace and security agenda seeks to provide recommendations for policy and programmatic interventions to accelerate the implementation of the SSNAP.

20 Years Of Implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 On Women Peace and Security in South Sudan Research Report

Noella Kabale Kalu is a Gender Equality Activist, Social Entrepreneur, Peace Mediator in the Congolese refugee community in Kampala and an alumna of our 2020 Feminist Leadership Institute. Following her training, Noella has been able to share the knowledge acquired within her community, create intensive awareness around peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and mediate conflict amongst community members at the household and community level using the feminist ideology of promoting love, empathy, and unity.

Read More “Creating a Movement of Women Peace Builders and Mediators, Meet Noella”

The month of June kicked off with the official launch of our research report on 20 years of implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in South Sudan with support from the Forum for Women and Development (FOKUS) and in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare (MoGCSW) in Juba. The launch was attended by 43 participants comprising of representatives from ministries including the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ministry of mining, MoGCSW, Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Embassy of Sweden in Juba, development partners and CSOs.

Read More “Launch of the Research on 20 Years of Implementing UNSCR1325 in South Sudan”

The Peace Centre partnered with the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ) in 2019 and the National Transformational Leadership Institute (NTLI) at the University of Juba in 2020 to train 46 young women leaders (from diverse CSOs, academic institutions and informal networks) in Juba, South Sudan. Building on this training, and addressing the capacity needs and identified limitations to young women’s meaningful participation, the Peace Centre organized a practical skilling session from 24^th to 28^th May 2021 in Juba to equip young women with skills to; Engage in digital spaces for national-level organizing and in regional and international processes occurring online. Learn and practice documentation and write for publication or influencing. Understand leadership in practice with a focus on subjects such as management of finances. And last but not least to increase knowledge of key women, peace and security thematic areas. Read More “Refresher Training of Young Women Peace Builders in South Sudan”

The notion that violence against women is cultural for some communities and therefore does not warrant a serious response continues to put women at greater risk. Using the SASA Together methodology, The Peace Centre held 3 days of training from 28th to 31st May 2021, for 30 Community Activists from the host and refugee communities in Adjumani District. This training focused on the 3rd “Support” phase of the SASA Together methodology.

Read More “Support Phase Training of Community Activists using the SASA Together Methodology”

In order to bridge the gap between senior women leaders and young women and highlight the role young people play in ensuring sustainable peace and good governance, The  Peace Centre held four dialogues with 51 Women peacebuilders, Gender Focal persons, Women Parliamentarians and representatives from CSOs as well as young women leaders from 18th to 20th May 2021 Dembesh Hotel in Juba, South Sudan. The dialogue was convened in collaboration with Community Empowerment for Progress Organization supported by the Forum for Women and Development. Read More “Interdisciplinary Dialogues Fostering Future Women Leaders in South Sudan”

Over the years’ women and women’s organisations have been at the core of advocating for the restoration of peace and an end to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in cyclic conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Burundi, and in the wider Great Lakes region. Since 2006, in response to the conflict situations, The Peace Centre then Isis-WICCE supported women impacted by conflict by building their leadership in conflict transformation and their agency in peacebuilding processes. The Peace Centre also initiated interventions for healing survivors of SGBV, where rape in these conflicts was increasingly being used as a weapon of war.
Read More “Peacebuilding and Ending SGBV Movements in South Sudan, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region”

Read More “European Studies’ Debate on Feminist Peace”

The Peace Centre as part of the Women’s Movement supports reservations to the merger of the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program(UWEP) with other programmes in light of the numerous barriers that women grapple with in accessing and enjoying credit and capital. Uganda is known to have registered strides in gender equality. UWEP which was launched in 2015 is one of the biggest initiatives and has been key in realizing Sustainable Development goals 1 and 5 that speak to ending poverty and gender inequality respectively. Read More “Statement by The Women’s Movement Condemning the Government of Uganda’s Proposal to Merge the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) With Other Wealth Creation Programmes”

Advocacy is essential in promoting women’s inclusion, equal representation and effective participation in decision making processes to build transitional justice, human security and access to justice. The Peace Centre convened a training on advocacy for the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325  on women, peace and security from 21st-23rd April 2021. The training aimed at deepening staff knowledge and skills in preparation for the Just Future project. The 3 days training was guided by an existing training manual and focus on Understanding the Need for Advocacy for UNSCR 1325, Assessing The Policy Environment for UNSCR 1325, Developing a UNSCR 1325 Advocacy Strategy and Implementation Plan, and Monitoring Advocacy.

Read More “Advocacy Training for Inclusive Peace Processes in DRC and South Sudan.”

The Peace Centre organized a 5-day training from 19th to 23rd April 2021 for Luwero District Leaders to enhance their skills in peacebuilding, leadership, mediation and understand the different frameworks for women’s participation in leadership and peacebuilding. The training brought together 35 leaders (30 women, 1 woman with a physical disability and 4 men) district and sub-county councilors from the subcounties of Kamira, Kalagala, Bombo, Katikamu, Luwero, Zirobwe, Kikyusa, Ndejje, Wobulenzi Town Council, Nyimbwa, Luwero Town Council and Butuntumula.

Read More “Luwero District Leaders Trained on Peacebuilding, Mediation and Leadership.”

The Peace Centre conducted a six day’s training for 80 cultural leaders and district technical administrative staff from Soroti and Lira district (40 per district) with the main areas of focus being; mediation and negotiation, conflict analysis and leadership among the selected leaders. Cultural leaders play a key role in refining norms to enhance women’s participation in decision making and outlaw negative practices that deter the progress of women. The training contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s effective and meaningful participation in the formal and informal peace building processes. Read More “Increasing Women and Youth’s Participation in Peacebuilding and Leadership in Lira and Soroti.”

Women’s participation in decision making, in peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery processes (in disarmament, reintegration, security sector reform, economic recovery programs, humanitarian response, legal, judicial and electoral processes) in Uganda is markedly low, particularly at the local level.

Read More “Peacebuilding and Leadership trainings in Soroti and Lira Districts”

On the 29th of March 2021, The Peace Centre hosted an end of project learning and sharing stakeholder workshop in line with the project “Promoting women’s effective participation in peacebuilding in Uganda”. This project was implemented with the support of UN Women in Yumbe, Adjumani and Kotido districts.

Read More “End of Project Learning and Sharing workshop on Promoting Women’s Effective Participation in Peace Building in Uganda”

Women Peacebuilders from Yumbe District with support from the Peace Centre, were able to join the Generation Equality Forum and preparatory workshop discussion. This was a part of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)65 pre–Generation Equality Mexico Forum workshop that highlighted key discussions for the meaningful participation of women and youth peacebuilders in the Generation Equality Forum. Catherine Kwanje, a Peacebuilder from South Sudan living in Bidibidi Refugee settlement used the forum to share highlights on the need to ensure that women who are displaced by conflict are included in peace processes in their country of origin.

Read More “Grassroots Women Peacebuilders Join the Generation Equality Forum”

This first edition of the Feminist Peace Series provides various understanding of Feminist Peace with perspectives from practitioners, partners and colleagues in the field of peace building. From all the contributions we can summarize Feminist Peace as that which takes into account the differential impact of conflict on women, girls and gender diverse people and profiles their voices, needs and perspective in all peacebuilding processes.

This quarter, we shine a light on Teso Women Peace Activists (TEWPA), a women-led organisation taking the lead to advance peace, resolve conflict, build tolerance and justice, in the Teso Region.

About TEWPA: Formed in 2001 by Cecilia Engole following her participation in the Isis-WICCE Institute to respond to the challenges that women and girls face during and after conflicts.  Teso Women Peace Activists (TEWPA), designs peace building and conflict resolution projects/programs that are issue based; and organize focused peace building training for TOTs in communities, for sustainability and as an effort to create lasting peace. TEWPA’s focus is peacebuilding, conflict transformation, democratization and human rights. Read More “Meet Our Partner- Teso Women Peace Activists”

In this 51^st edition of Women’s World, we hear from 7 women peacebuilders from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, South Sudan and Uganda- who are long-term partners of the Peace Centre and alumnae of the Feminist Leadership Institute. Through their journeys and deliberations, we look back at 20 years of agitating for women’s participation in conflict prevention, resolution and peace building; at our efforts to prevent, end and respond to conflict-related sexual violence; and to ensure gender-response relief and recovery through various means.

Dans cette 51er édition de Monde Des Femmes, nous entendons 7 éminentes femmes bâtisseuses de paix du Burundi, de la République Démocratique du Congo, du Népal, du Soudan du Sud et de l’Ouganda, partenaires de longue date de Women’s International Peace centre et anciennes élèves du Feminist Leadership Institute. À travers leurs riches et diverses expertises, nous revenons sur 20 ans de combat pour la participation des femmes aux postes de prise décisions, à la prévention et protection des femmes, au règlement ainsi qu’à leur rôle crucial dans la consolidation de la paix des conflits. Aussi aux efforts déployés pour prévenir et combattre la violence sexuelle liée aux conflits ; et d’assurer les secours et apporter des réponses aux besoins sexospécifiques grâce aux mécanismes efficaces et adaptés.

Nous vous invitons à apprécier les perspectives et les expériences des femmes en tant qu’électrices, candidates, dirigeantes politiques, militantes et actrices clés pour des élections pacifiques et dans tous les processus électoraux.

Télécharger: Monde Des Femmes 51

By Esther Wasagali

Akol Ketty is a woman leader and a testament to women’s ability to build peace and influence change against all odds.  

When we first met Akol in August 2019, she had served as a Community Mobiliser, Facilitator, Councilor and most recently as the Vice Chairperson in Kapelebyong District Local Government. She had first hand experience of the limitations women experience as they seek to take leadership or to address the issues that make elections violent and undemocratic.

“Women are often discouraged from taking on leadership positions, they always receive negative comments from men and fellow women saying they cannot stand for some positions because they are earmarked for men.  Women are also denied participation in political processes by their husbands, who often think that women will be exposed to other men. Women in my community could not balance home and leadership roles. They had no confidence to speak in public,” Akol recounts. 

Read More “The Unstoppable Woman Leader Promoting Peaceful Elections in Kapelebyong”

The Peace Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Conflict Early Warning and Early Response system (CEWERU) convened a two day feedback meeting from 10th- 11th March with the National Steering Committee to share early warning reports from the Peace Committees in Kotido, Yumbe and Adjumani and discuss effective and early response to prevent and mitigate conflicts in Uganda. The feedback meeting will be used in laying of strategies and actions for reduction of conflict and violence in Uganda.

Read More “National Feedback Meeting to Define Strategies For Reduction of Conflict And Violence in Uganda.”

By Diana Oroma

“I used to see conflicts happening in my community but I was silent about it because I didn’t know I had the power to influence change and contribute to peace Janet Ayoo Kelly declares.

Janet Ayoo Kelly, aged 28 years is a  first time refugee living in Maaji III refugee settlement, Adjumani district in West Nile, Uganda. In July 2016, she fled her hometown, Magwi in South Sudan with her first child who was 2 years old at the time. 

However, the situation upon arriving in Uganda was very difficult. “We left all the resources we had worked hard to gain and fled with nothing  I had hoped to settle down and rebuild my life”she recalls. She is part of a group that makes bed sheets and tablecloths a source of income for their families. Janet is also now the secretary for the Adjumani Women Peace Mediators Network.

In December 2019, Janet was one of 156 women leaders from Kotido, Yumbe and Adjumani districts trained on peacebuilding and reconciliation by the Peace Centre with the support of UN Women. Following the training, the women leaders formed Women Peace Mediators Networks.

In Maaji III refugee settlement, the women peace mediators developed  a community action plan to ensure their participation in peace building right from their homes to the wider community. Since then, women peace mediators have identified, reported and mediated 300 conflict incidents including conflict between refugee and host communities and gender-based violence specifically early marriages that led to withdrawal of girls from schools.   

In February 2020, the women peace mediators met again in Nyumanzi settlement to discuss their peacebuilding efforts and learn from experiences in Adjumani, Yumbe and Kotido. Janet learnt of the work that her  fellow peace mediators were doing in their communities .  She was touched by their stories such as the case involving a young girl form a poor family whose father was forcing her to get married to an elderly rich man who lives in America. The mediators engaged the girl’s family, who abandoned the idea and asked the women to pay for her school fees since they wanted her in school. The women peace mediators then referred the girl to an organization for a scholarship.

Janet also recalls the stories from Kotido where women were mediating large scale conflicts., the The women peace mediators had convened 14 peace dialogues resolve the conflict characterised by rampant cattle raids, illegal guns owned by civilians, food insecurity, sexual and gender based violence against women and girls. 

On 10^th May 2020,  a small disagreement among five Nuer and Dinka youth in Maaji II refugee settlement  escalated into a violent tribal conflict leaving two young men  dead. Janet was spurred to action. 

“As women peace mediators we realized that the situation was getting out of hand. The situation was very tense, with women and children running up and down. Immediately we gathered together to agree on what to do. We informed the Peace Centre who guided us. We then made a phone call to the refugee settlement commandant asking him urgently to call the police to intervene” Janet recounts.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Refugee Desk Office, and District Police Commander immediately responded by deploying police to calm the situation. Janet and the other women peace mediators also took further action.“We rescued the children from the two families who were being attacked for having started the fights and kept them in a safe place“Together with other leaders in Maaji we continued comforting the family that had lost their son and the one whose son was missing and later found dead. We convinced the families  not to get involved in the fight and keep away from revenge as it would only cause more harm”she narrates. 

Twelve days later, on 22^nd May 2020 The Peace Centre convened a peace mediation dialogue in Maaji with key leaders including the RDC, District chairperson LC 5, District Vice Chairperson LC 5, District Peace Committee, Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR, Lutheran World Federation, Refugee Law Project, Religious, Cultural, political leaders and the Adjumani women peace mediators. The dialogue discussed the conflict situation, identified the triggers and agreed on specific actions to take to ensure conflict indicators are reported to the police and other duty bearers before they escalate. 

During the mediation dialogue, the women peace mediators identified the dark hot spots where the violent youth were hiding such as the banana plantation which was acting as their habitat. Janet and the mediators also made specific demands. “We wrote to the Office of the Prime Minister requesting for security lights in the settlement blocks where the youths were hiding to chase and beat women moving to access the health centre at night. I was personally affected by this. I gave birth on the way because I was afraid to pass at the dark spot alone at night when labor started. The lights were installed” she shares.

The women peace mediators continued their work in a follow up mediation dialogue w on 1^st July 2020 where conflict early warning indicators were presented to the leaders for redress. 

“For sustainable peace in the settlement we continued to engage with the youth and their families by encouraging them to keep calm and sensitizing them about the consequences of violent actions to their lives and families”, Janet narrates. She explains how the work of the women peace mediators brought positive changes, “we continued to monitor  conflict early warning indicators and shared with the leaders for their action. For example some youth were spotted in the evenings with walking sticks. Others were seen holding isolated meetings in the local languages. Each tribe stopped their members from crossing where the other tribes live, which kept people in fear. “I am celebrating my breakthrough because of the hard work. I believe that peace is possible with women at the lead. I am now seeing friendship being nurtured again between the Nuer and Dinka youths. They have started having friendly football matches again.

“My skills have doubled. I can now analyze the conflicts and participate in peace building more effectively.  I used to see conflicts happening in my community but I was silent about it because I didn’t know I had the power to influence change and contribute to peace,” Janet says, reflecting on her growth as a leader and a peace builder. I am very grateful to the Peace Centre and UN Women for the skills I obtained. I’m proud to be a peace mediator in my community” says Janet.

By Evelyn Birungi

This Monday, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women on International Women’s Day(IWD). Marked annually on March 8th, IWD is one of the most important days of the year to: celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about women’s equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity, fundraise for female-focused charities. This year, IWD is being celebrated under the theme “Women in leadership achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world” celebrates the remarkable efforts by women to shape a more equitable future after COVID-19. Read More “Celebrating Women’s day in a COVID-19 World”

To strengthen the leadership capacity and influence of local women leaders and women groups across refugee settlements and host communities The Peace Centre conducted a SASA Together! Start Phase Training of Trainers for 30 women leaders selected from Agojo Refugee Settlement and Ciforo sub-county in November 2020. 

Read More “Community Activists Lead the Fight Against Gender Based Violence in Adjumani District”

Building on the gains from the previous work in conflict and post-conflict situations, The Peace Centre conducted training on Peacebuilding and Leadership for 50 women leaders (political, religious, cultural, CBOs and independent/influential women leaders) and 50 youth leaders (political, religious, cultural and independent/influential youth leaders) in Soroti district. The training which aimed to enhance conflict analysis peacebuilding, governance, leadership and mediation skills was conducted from 22nd to 27th February. Read More “100 women/youth leaders in Soroti District trained as peace advocates.”

The Peace Centre conducted 4 Community Dialogues on the root cause, impact, prevention and response to Violence Against Women using the SASA Together  and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Standard Operating Procedures for 2 host communities in Ciforo Sub County and Agojo Refugee settlement on 16th and 17th February.

The dialogues which were convened to influence attitudes on SGBV targeted community leaders from the cultural, political, religious institutions and were attended by 178 people (77 men and 101 women). 

The LC 1, Duba Village in Ciforo sub county shared that about 75% of women experience abuse in her community. SGBV remains a silent epidemic in many humanitarian settings oftentimes associated with a wide range of physical, sexual and psychological health consequences. Studies have also shown negative impacts of SGBV on the social and economic well-being of survivors. These outcomes are particularly exacerbated in humanitarian settings given that crisis-affected populations are more vulnerable to SGBV.

The community dialogues provided opportunity to the community leaders to discuss key Women Peace and Security issues and Violence Against Women (VAW). VAW continues to happen because of the unbalanced power relationship which is deeply rooted in culture as well as the patriarchal nature of our society. Alcoholism, poverty, lack of trust, polygamy, women accessing family planning without spousal consent, reduction in food ration to the refugees, sharing resources like land, food among others contribute to the increasing violence in the communities. 

Community leaders identify, settle and refer to a lot of conflict incidences in their communities but they lack the materials and skills in documenting the cases. The fact that the violence continues to happen in the community because the community and its leaders have accepted it enabled the local leaders to acknowledge their role in promoting peace in the communities they lead.

On 18th February 2021, the Peace Centre convened a Girls Power Camp under the theme ‘My Body My Power’ targeting 178 Primary Seven (P.7) pupils from Orungo Primary School of which 34 girls and from Moruinera Primary School of which 47 were girls in Amuria district.

 Through conversation circles, we emphasized self-exploration skills, critical thinking and self-awareness. This camp follows a series of conversations under the theme ‘My Body My Power’ with adolescent girls aged 9 to16 years from Ocakai Primary School, Ococia P/S, Otubet P/S Orungo P/S & Moruinera Primary School during which skills girls in leadership, understanding their bodies, discovering their dreams and setting goals

Since June 2018, Women’s International Peace Centre has organized camps for adolescent girls aged between 9 and 16 years from five schools . Building on previous engagement, the camp included a dialogue among the pupils looking at building adolescent’s competencies for the future and providing a platform to discuss the values of girls’ education in the society.  The girls were trained in leadership, informed about their bodies, and sensitized on HIV&AIDS  to reduce discrimination and stigma.

The Peace Centre also held a talk on conquering fear and confidence building. Under the theme “knowledge is power” young girls were guided on how to conquer fear and build confidence using the word of God by Rev. Canon Lawrence Onyait. This was followed by a session on career development covering: Areas of interest for the girls. The talk also discussed prioritized life values which included courage beyond primary level and self-management during vacation to avoid joining bad groups and early/child pregnancy, forced marriage. This camp aimed to enable learners, take actions that will shape their career path. The P.7 candidates and staff of Orungo primary school appreciated the Peace Centre for their timely intervention of confidence building and career development as they approached PLE.

The Peace Centre held a series of meetings with Women Peace Mediators from refugee and host communities meet each month to discuss peace and security concerns they have identified and develop an issues report for action by the respective District Peace Committees in Yumbe, Adjumani and Kotido. This was between 5th and 11th February where the Peace Centre joined 108 women peace mediators as they discussed their experiences, their progress in resolving conflicts, representing women and their priorities which require redress.

The mediators were joined by 90 Conflict Analysts and Conflict Monitors in the three districts who received and reviewed the reports to the District Peace Committees.
The women peace builders discussed key issues likely to cause conflict in the refugees settlements including inadequate land for cultivation since the food ratio has reduced and low water supply during the dry season. The mediators also expressed concern that some water points were not operational, they highlighted insufficient supply insufficient supply of drugs in specific health centers and cases of conflict between the host and refugee communities over resources like firewood and grass especially with stray animals destroying crops. Increased teenage pregnancies since the COVID-19 outbreak remains an important issue to which the peace mediators are seeking immediate solutions.

The meeting is part of wider efforts led by the Peace Centre with support of UN Women to institutionalize gender sensitive conflict early warning and early response system in conflict-affected Adjumani, Yumbe and Kotido districts. This has been carried out as a series of training in mediation and conflict resolution in 2019 and 2020.Women leaders including refugee women and women affected by cross-border conflicts benefited from the initiative. Since then, they have taken lead in peace building within their communities and ensuring that district peace committees address women’s peace and security concerns.

The Peace Centre is excited to be a part of Just Future, an Alliance that will over the next 5years, work towards fair, equitable & inclusive justice, security and peace in Afghanistan, Burundi, DRC, Mali, Niger and South Sudan. The alliance has been formed in response to the challenges of a fragile world. Consisting of 6 established CSOs and networks, from the Global North and South, our work will strengthen the capacity of CSOs and enable their collective action to bring about more inclusive, constructive and legitimate power relations.

Just Future’s vision is of a world in which all people in fragile states benefit from more accessible, responsive and accountable security and justice institutions, and more inclusive arrangements for political governance and peace-making. Just- future is seeking to change the current state of life because conflict and violence are the most significant obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Just Future will foreground the needs and demands of women and girls, the commitment of men to achieving gender equality and preventing sexual- and gender-based violence (SGBV), and realizing political power for young women & men—the majority of the population in all 6 countries.

Just Future will be delivered by a consortium including the African Security Sector Network, a pan-African network working to facilitate progress towards the achievement of effective and democratically governed security sectors across Africa. Cordaid; a Dutch humanitarian and development NGO, working in the most fragile and conflict-affected contexts on challenges in the security and justice, health, education, and humanitarian protection sectors, among others. Search for Common Ground which is a US- and EU-based international non-profit operating in 36 countries, with a mission to transform the way the world deals with conflict, away from adversarial approaches toward cooperative solutions. The Liaison Office (TLO) is an independent Afghan non-governmental organization seeking to improve local governance, stability and security through engagement with customary structures, local communities, and CSOs. In the Alliance, TLO represents the SALAH Consortium of CSOs. West African Network for Peacebuilding is a leading regional peacebuilding organization with strong national networks in every West African state, focusing on collaborative approaches to conflict prevention and peacebuilding and Women’s International Peace Centre is a transnational feminist organization working to empower women from different countries in Africa and Asia by supporting their active participation in peacebuilding processes.

The Just Future Alliance also includes The Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and State-building as its network partner. The Rift Valley Institute, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and the Van Vollenhoven Institute at Leiden University as research partners. As Just Future will be funded through a Power of Voices Strategic Partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands, the Ministry will also contribute to program implementation.

On 12^th February, The Peace Centre held a meeting with Conflict monitors and conflict analysts in Adjumani. This was to analyse and harmonise the report shared by the Women Peace Mediators on women peace and security concerns to be presented to the District Peace Committee for immediate action.  Key issues identified during the training included; bush burning, resource sharing conflicts, stray animals from both the refugees and host communities destroying crops, need for more land to be apportioned to the refugees and host for cultivation, night disco halls playing loud music till late and access to police form 3.  The meeting also provided an opportunity for the monitors and analysts to share individual stories of change. Read More “Meeting with Conflict Analysts and Monitors in Adjumani District.”

The Peace Centre in partnership with Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAP) and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) conducted research on Gender, Peace and Environmental conflicts. The research demonstrates the intersection between the environmental conflict, peace and gender and provides recommendations for the International Community for how it can better ensure that women and girls’ human rights can be delivered despite environmental degradation and climate change.

This report was made possible by funding from the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

 The Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre)  and International Rescue Committee (IRC)  conducted a case management training for 14  participants from IRC and the Peace Centre. The five-day training which was held from 25th to 29th January 2021 was to enable participants to handle gender-based violence cases amongst urban refugees in Kampala. 

This is in line with the Peace Centre and the IRC partnership on a project to reimagine, support, and reshape nationally driven and locally-led protection systems. The project titled, Scale-Up: Catalyzing Systems to Keep Refugees and Host Communities Safe from Violence (Safety and Power) will rapidly map and analyze how gender-based violence and child protection humanitarian interventions in the urban context, should link up to and be integrated into existing social protection, social welfare, child protection, and justice law and order sector systems. It will also feature engagement of the Centre’s alumni as some have been refugees themselves.

The training was facilitated by the IRC team who took participants through a couple of modules on GBV case management which included; understanding power and GBV and the theoretical foundation for a survivor-centered approach context, and causes of GBV among many others.

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The Peace Centre with the support of Womankind Worldwide and Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS) joined 200 organizations in Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Uganda and Ukraine to conduct a research on the impact of COVID-19 on gender equality, peace and security. This study outlines recommendations for the local, national and international community to better respond to COVID-19, future pandemics and crises, as well as deliver on their commitments to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. 

The Peace Centre in partnership with Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAP) and the Women Peace and Security Centre of the London School of Economics (LSE) studied the intersection between environmental conflict, peace and gender. This was to provide recommendations for the international community for how it can better ensure that women and girls’ human rights can be delivered despite the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change.

Read More “Focus on The Gendered Impact of Climate Change and Women and Girls’ Right to Peace.”

In preparation for the 2021 presidential election, the Peace Centre conducted fourteen(14) election observer training in different districts in Uganda which were concluded on a final training held from 9th– 13th January 2021 in Kampala. The Peace Centre recruited a total of 540 election observers selected from sub-counties in Arua, Kassanda and Kapelebyong in addition to other districts of Soroti, Lira, Amuria, Kampala, Sembabule, Luwero, Ntugamo, Rukungiri, Yumbe, Kotido and Adjumani.

The training was successful in ensuring that each district had 40 trained election observers with election observation materials deployed to observe elections from 14th to January to 22nd January.

Election observation is a valuable tool for improving the quality of elections and creates confidence in elections that can help promote sound democratic practices. This is vital as Uganda has not experienced peaceful, violent free democratic electoral processes since the introduction of multi-party politics in 1988. The political environment in the build-up to, during, and after elections has over the years become increasingly charged with reports of harassment, intimidation, acts of corruption, human rights abuses perpetrated by different political opponents.

To ensure a difference this year, the election observers were trained on Electoral Commission election observation guidelines, laws related to election observation, do’s and don’ts of an election observer, and provided tools for data collection. This enabled them to monitor elections and document electoral violence incidences in the eleven districts.

COVID-19 has transformed the world of work. Remote working has become the new normal for most people, with communications largely moving to the digital space. This has had a strong impact on the work of human rights defenders and the way they defend, promote, and protect rights.

The Office of the United Nations High for Human Rights (OHCHR) collected stories of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) on the African continent to increase the visibility of WHRDs’ work in the process of the pandemic and create a source of information to inform COVID-19 recovery programming and policymaking for WHRDs. OHCHR aims to provide a platform for WHRDs to document and exchange their experiences in the context of COVID-19 and to build solidarity among them.

The Peace Centre’s Project Officer, Diana Oroma shares her perspective on the Women Peace and Security and the Pandemic.

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 between 18 and 35, from various background representing high school graduates, university students and graduates, CSOs, FBOs, NGOs, women’s associations, political parties
and government institutions on women, peace and security from 27^th to 31^st 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.

This report highlights the key discussions during the training.

The Peace Centre with the support of Womankind Worldwide and Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS) undertook a research in Uganda to better understand the context-specific and global gender, peace and security impacts of COVID-19 and develop policy and programming responses which account for the impact of COVID-19.

The findings indicate the gendered effects of COVID-19 on vulnerable and marginalised groups in the urban, rural and refugee settlement contexts. The findings highlight the impact of the pandemic on the community, especially on women’s and girls’ roles, responsibilities, needs and livelihoods. They also highlight gender-based violence (GBV), as well as how these different groups of women and girls are coping with the crisis.

This research, undertaken by a consortium of organisations including Gender Action Peace and Security (GAPS), Somali Women Development Centre (SWDC), Saferworld, Women for Women International, Women’s International Peace Centre (The Peace Centre), Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Nigeria and Womankind Worldwide. This research report, funded by the UK’s Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF), sets out recommendations for modalities to fund, support and strengthen WROs and CSOs, as well as enable the UK, CSSF Africa and the international community – including donors, multilateral and INGOs – to better understand the challenges and opportunities for WROs and CSOs working on peace and security issues in Somalia, South Sudan, Nigeria and globally. This report outlines the findings and recommendations of this research and is supplemented by country-specific reports for Nigeria, South Sudan and Somalia.

This report looks back into the year and describes what we have accomplished with our Partners. The Peace Centre contributed to enhancing the expertise of women leaders to participate in peace processes in Burundi, DRC, Nepal, South Sudan and Uganda through the Feminist Leadership Institute on Peace and Security, learning exchanges and mentorship support. Making information available for women to influence decision-making in peace processes in Uganda and South Sudan. Claiming space and influencing Peace Processes at all levels and in promoting the holistic wellbeing of women, we continue working with support groups of women living with HIV and AIDS in post-conflict North-eastern Uganda to support their access to sustainable livelihood
opportunities.

‘The UN Resolution 1325 has succeed in raising awareness of the women peace and security agenda.’ shared Helen Kezie Nwoha representing the Peace Centre shared in a conversation with joined leading women peace advocates from across the Commonwealth as they reimagined what ‘women, peace and security’ might mean for our future.

The conversation comes two decades after the Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, part of a global effort to highlight the impact of conflict on women and the need to bring the voice of women into peace processes., it is clear that much remains to be done.

In this second event in the Commonwealth Foundation’s Critical Conversations series, the peace advocates asked; how Resolution 1325 can be reimagined to better serve the needs and aspirations of women and communities across the Commonwealth. If mainstream approaches to women’s leadership in conflict resolution were actually working? How can women’s participation in peace processes be made more meaningful? How can women peace advocates secure better access to the forums and institutions where decisions are being made?

Speakers drew on their front-line experience to tackle these questions; sharing concrete examples of what has worked well and their perspectives on what needs to be done differently.

Watch this conversation here

From 25th to 26th February 2020, The Peace Centre with support from FOKUS and UN Women convened a dialogue under the theme “The
South Sudan Peace Process; The Role and Prospects
for Refugee Women” to provide a platform for refugee women to understand and receive updates on the peacebuilding processes, link the refugee women with other women involved in advocacy towards engendering the peace processes in South Sudan and ignite women’s ability to participate in the formal and informal peacebuilding processes right from the refugee settlement for sustainable peace in South Sudan. 

This report shares details of the proceedings of the conference.

 

This learning paper is based on evidence and learning from an intersectional women’s movement initiative delivered through collaboration in 2019 between six Uganda based women’s rights organisations; Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG), Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE), Mentoring and Empowerment Programme for Young Women (MEMPROW), National Association for Women’s Organisations in Uganda (NAWOU), National Union of Women with Disabilities of Uganda (NUWODU), Women’s International Peace Centre, (The Peace Centre) and by Womankind Worldwide, within the project Women’s Advocacy for Voice and Empowerment (WAVE) through inclusive platforms in Uganda.

Read More “Journey from the Margins Feminist Movement Strengthening in Uganda.”

We are in Arua conducting a 3 days training for District Peace Committee members, monitors and analysts targeting Electoral Commission officers, Police, District Community Development Officer, National Women Council, youth, Persons with disability representative, district information officer, CSOs and Religious institutional representatives supported by DGF Uganda. The training aims to enhance capacity of peace committee’s members to detect early warning conflict, respond and mediate conflict that may arise before, during and after election.

Read More “Training for District Peace Committee members, Monitors and Analysts”

Women’s International Peace Centre in partnership with EVE Organization for Women Development and Community Empowerment Progress Organization (CEPO), conducted training under the theme “Rejuvenating the Women, Peace and Security Agenda: Towards participation and implementation of the UNSCR 1325 National Action Planon advocacy for South Sudan National Action Plan on the UNSCR 1325.

The training brought together 25 participants including gender technical staff from the line ministries both at national and state level, women members of parliament from the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and women representatives of the civil society working on the UNSCR 1325 South Sudan NAP.

The training evaluated and audited the implementation of the National Action Plan; enhanced skills in advocacy and effective reporting on the NAP of the UNSCR 1325 and enhanced women’s effective participation in leadership and peacebuilding and strengthening gender perspectives in South Sudan’s states building and reconstruction.

 

Du 29 au 31 octobre 2019, Women’s International Peace Centre et l’Association parlementaire des femmes ougandaises ont organisé une visite d’échange régionale pour les femmes leaders du Soudan du Sud et de la République Démocratique du Congo afin de faciliter l’apprentissage par l’expérience, les leçons pratiques et les compétences sur les stratégies d’influencer  de la mise en œuvre de la résolution 1325 du Conseil de Sécurité des Nations Unies et de renforcer la création de réseautage et le lobbying pour l’influence politique.

Ce rapport met en évidences les discussions qui ont eu lieu lors de la visite d’échange régionale.

Télécharger: Les femmes apportent le changement dans les processus de gouvernance post-conflit

From 29th to 31st October 2019, Women’s International Peace Centre and Uganda Women Parliamentary Association hosted a Regional Exchange Visit for women leaders from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo to facilitate experiential learning, practical lessons and skills on how to influence the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and to strengthen movement building and lobbying for policy influence

This report highlights discussions during the Regional Exchange Visit.

Between 20th to 24th June 2019, Women’s International Peace Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Family and Children’s Affairs, Karibu Jeunesse Nouvelle (KJN) and Association des Femmes Des Medias (AFEM)) conducted a Feminist Leadership Institute for 20 women leaders including Politicians, Lawyers, Lecturers, Socio-workers, and Community leaders from Kalehe, Walungu, Kabare and Bukavu in South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Read More “Feminist Leadership Institute- Women Political Participants for Women Peace and Security in DRC”

Women’s International Peace Centre with support from Forum for Women in Development (FOKUS) conducted a research study to examine the opportunities, constraints and extent to which women influence the peace process in South Sudan.

This research answers the following questions; i)What are the conflict trends, dynamics their significance for ongoing peace processes in South Sudan? To what extent do these advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda? ii)What is the level of participation and representation of women in the peace process in South Sudan? iii)What are the opportunities and constraints and to what extent do women influence the peace processes, such as seen in the national dialogue, the security sector reform, the constitutional reform and the transitional government in South Sudan;  iv)How can women and in particular  young women’s advocacy efforts be supported in ways that create new spaces for them to engage key decision makers at national, regional and international levels?

 

Women’s participation in peace processes is critical for sustaining peace. Notwithstanding, women face several barriers that limit their effective representation and influence in peace processes. Research shows that the political participation and leadership of women in fragile environments, particularly during democratic transitions, is critical to sustaining lasting
democratic institutions.

A study carried out in Juba, South Sudan by the Women International Peace Centre shows that sustainable peace in South Sudan depends on empowering women and tackling obstacles to their participation in peace processes. The research was carried out to examine opportunities, constraints and the extent to which women are taking part in implementing the peace agreement in South Sudan.

This Policy Brief highlights the barriers to women’s participation in peace processes and shares recommendations.

 

Women are recognized signatories to the Revitalised Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). South Sudan has also put in place policy frameworks and institutions in support of the women, peace and security agenda. If South Sudan is to achieve sustainable peace and fulfil the R-ARCSS, measures that promote women’s participation and tackle associated barriers should be adopted.

A study carried out in Juba-South Sudan by the Women’s International
Peace Centre shows that sustainable peace in South Sudan depends on the full implementation of gender provisions within the R-ARCSS.
The study examined the extent to which gender has been mainstreamed in the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

This Policy Brief highlights the barriers to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS and shares recommendations.

 

Fifteen participants from Arua, Kapelebyong and Kasanda inclusive of data analysts, district leadership and the women monitors were part of trainings on adaption of early warning tools from 7th – 12th September, 2020. This was facilitated by a consultant who developed the gender-sensitive early warning data collection tools to aid in collection conflict/violence early warning signs in the electoral process and general conflict in communities. Read More “Adaption of Early Warning Tools for District Monitors in Arua, Kapelebyong, and Kasanda”

The Peace Centre was excited to be hosting a 3-day exchange visit with 40 women peacebuilders from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan & Uganda, living as refugees in Uganda to reflect on the past 20 years of implementing the Women Peace Security agenda.

This was in line with the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, it is widely acknowledged as a significant year for driving progress and pushing for gains in implementing the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda. 2020 is also the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which is significant for the WPS agenda with its prioritisation of women and armed conflict as a critical area of concern for gender
equality and women’s empowerment. It is a critical year to reflect on progress, setbacks, challenges and opportunities to advance the women, peace and security agenda, and to leverage the anniversary to accelerate the implementation of key commitments and WPS frameworks.

The exchange visit ensured that the peacebuilders had a recap on UNSCR resolution 1325 and the Uganda National Action Plan(NAP). We discussed the desired outcomes of the NAP and how women can participate in monitoring UNSCR 1325 at different levels. The exchange visit also entailed group presentations discussing challenges faced by women in conflict-affected areas and what recommendations they have to address the gaps.

On the status of implementation of the #UNSCR1325 in refugee settlements and within host communities the challenges have been highlighted as;

– High levels of physical and psychological gender-based violence, and limited access to reproductive health services.
-Refugee women and girls within settlements are continually excluded from formal peace processes and are under-represented within peace or security committee structures

Despite making tangible changes in the communities, the contributions of refugee women and grassroots women peacebuilders are not recognized or made visible. The 3-day visit also included the peacebuilders sharing their reflections on the Implementation of UNSCR 1325; Participation, Prevention, Protection relief and recovery with the African Union Special Envoy Bineta Diop. The women peacebuilders, therefore, urged Madam Bineta Diop to consider and amplify their recommendations as; a need to call for all governments and development partners to create a protective environment for women and girls affected by conflict.

You can access the full report on the exchange visit here: 20 Years of Grassroots Women Building Peace