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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
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
In Amuria District, Uganda, we conducted two-day training on Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response for 33 participants from 28th to 29th February.
Aimed at school teachers and local authorities, the training sought to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, prevent, and effectively respond to GBV cases within their communities and educational institutions
The training delved into understanding the various forms and impact of GBV, ranging from sexual harassment to corporal punishment and verbal abuse, which often plague the educational environment. Through interactive sessions and practical workshops, participants explored strategies for developing robust response mechanisms and policies, as well as fostering collaboration with parents and guardians to create safer and more inclusive spaces for children.
Attended by (25) schoolteachers, administrators, and a diverse array of local leaders, including government officials, religious and traditional leaders, health-care professionals, and community-based organizations’ representatives, the program served as a rallying point for collective action against GBV in Amuria District.
In a region where cultural norms, poverty, and a lack of awareness exacerbate the prevalence of GBV, initiatives like this training program are crucial steps towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of children. By aligning local policies with national and international standards on GBV prevention and response, Amuria District is forging a path towards a safer and more equitable future for its young generation.
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.
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.
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.
