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

Our #16Days16Women Campaign: Empowering Rural Women, Glory Mlaki’s Journey to Climate Justice

Glory watering trees recently planted to promote climate resilience

Glory Mlaki is a Tanzanian woman activist, policy analyst, researcher, trainer and facilitator with over 15 years working on issues of human rights, legal, sexual and gender based violence.  She also cordinaes various livelihood initiatives and projects focused on strengthening community capacities to adapt to climate change and enhance their wellbeing in rural communities.

Glory’s journey began as a Legal Officer providing aid to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. While working with women and girls, she uncovered a deeper issue: the profound link between climate change and violence. Economic instability from climate effects such as droughts and floods often fueled domestic violence, leading Glory to expand her focus. “I realized that addressing climate change could mitigate the root causes of violence,” she shares.

By integrating climate advocacy with her legal expertise, she has developed innovative approaches to strengthen community resilience.

Glory’s work centers on empowering women to take the lead in climate adaptation, ensuring that their voices are heard in policies and decision-making.

Creating Sustainable Solutions

Glory’s work focuses on building both immediate and long-term resilience in rural communities. From organizing tree planting and waste management projects to training women in organic farming and renewable energy use, her efforts improve livelihoods while protecting the environment. She also works to simplify complex climate policies and disseminates them in local languages, enabling communities to understand and advocate for their rights.

Her projects have supported small-scale producers, miners, and adolescent girls, equipping them with tools and knowledge to transition to climate-resilient activities. For example, she has helped women shift from traditional farming to sustainable businesses, despite challenges like limited capital and technical expertise.

Glory emphasizes the critical role rural women play in climate adaptation.

Women hold traditional knowledge in farming, food storage, and resource management. Their leadership ensures sustainable practices are passed to future generations,” she explains.

By fostering women’s leadership in climate action, Glory addresses systemic barriers such as gender norms, lack of education, and restricted access to resources.

Through capacity-building workshops, Glory empowers women to participate in decision-making at all levels. She also amplifies their voices through media platforms and advocacy campaigns, ensuring their priorities shape climate policies.

A capacity building session with women on climate change mitigation and adaptation

Vision for a Gender-Equal, Climate-Resilient Africa

For Glory, a gender-equal, climate-resilient Africa means equitable access to resources, education, and decision-making power for all.

We need policies that prioritize women’s leadership and fair distribution of climate finance,” she says. Her vision includes empowering marginalized groups and integrating Indigenous knowledge into climate solutions.

Glory is passionate about mentoring young women, encouraging them to take on leadership roles in climate action. She believes that equipping youth with knowledge, opportunities, and platforms to lead will ensure sustainable progress in the fight against climate change.

Call to Action

Glory urges individuals and organizations to support grassroots leaders by funding community projects, amplifying women’s voices, and sharing success stories.

We need to unite, advocate for policy changes, and participate in global platforms to bring attention to the realities faced by women on the ground,” she says.

As a steadfast advocate for climate justice, Glory Mlaki continues to inspire transformative change, proving that empowering women is key to building resilient and sustainable communities.

Growing Trees and Livelihoods: How Intercropping is Benefitting Nankwanga’s Family and the Community

Figure 1: Baker Nankwanga showing off some of the green peppers planted amongst the trees

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.

Figure 2: One of the team members at NUWOG planting trees on Baker’s Land

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.

Figure 3: Pine trees planted together with green pepper.

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.

Figure 4: Some of the vegetables harvested from the garden with trees

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.

Press Statement: In Memory of Marilee Karl

PRESS STATEMENT

6 September 2024

 

Rest in Power Marilee

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

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

Please use this QR Code for the memorial.

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

Communications can be directed to any of the following contacts:

Sandra Adong Oder

Oders@wipc.org

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

Kampala, Uganda

 

Luz Martinez

luz@feminists.io

Manila, Philippines

 

Isabel Duque

isaduque@yahoo.com

Isis Internacional (1984- 2012)

Santiago Chile

 

Celebration As Kotido District Launches Its Local Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

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.”

Women Leaders Convening to Strategise Inclusion of 35% Quota in Political Party Constitutions and Regulations in South Sudan

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

Civil Society Organizations Trained to Develop Shadow Report on DRC’s Adherence to UPR Recommendations

 

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)

Training Local Leaders on GBV Prevention and Response in Amuria District

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.

Empowering Girls: Girls’ Power Camp in Amuria District, Uganda

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.

 

 

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