Mogadishu, Somalia – The Intergovernmental
Authority on Development (IGAD), formally inaugurated the Building Women's
Economic Resilience for Sustainable Peace (BWERSP) project in Mogadishu a
pivotal effort to strengthen women's participation and boost economic
empowerment in Somalia's on-going peace processes. A diverse coalition of
stakeholders from government institutions to women peace committees, civil
society organizations community leaders and international development partners
are involved in the initiative. This joint effort marks a renewed focus on
involving women in the center of peace building in the Horn of Africa.
Somalia has
experienced decades of conflict and continues to be scarred with a deep imprint
on social and economic fabric. The establishment of BWERSP is a significant
step to understand that sustainable peace will not be realized without
meaningful engagement and economic empowerment of women. The campaign reflects
a recognition that women are not just a victim of conflict but a key player in
the process of change and long-term peace and development. Meanwhile officials
from IGAD have highlighted the fact that women's voices and leadership are
crucial to building and sustaining peace in the region in the presence of
thousands of women in the city for the ceremony. Thousands of women were seen
in the city of Mogadishu during the ceremony which was attended by officials
from IGAD who emphasized that women's voices and leadership are essential to
building and sustaining peace in the region. The BWERSP project seeks to tackle
the compounded problems of gender inequality, economic marginalization and lack
of women's participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes
which have traditionally marginalized women's roles in Somalia.
The BWERSP
will engage with three interrelated pillars: Women's economic resilience,
Women's engagement in peace processes, and Sustainable peace through inclusive
governance. The project aims to empower women to take action and participate in
peace-building negotiations and implementation by providing them with economic
skills and opportunities. The project will directly engage with women peace
committees in Somalia to build women's capacities, and resources, and create
spaces for women to take part in peace dialogue. It will also enhance the
capacity of government institutions and civil society organizations to include
women in decision-making processes on peace, security and reconciliation. Since
inception IGAD has commenced the process of building coordination structures
between IGAD countries' relevant government agencies and women groups. First
needs assessments, stakeholder consultation and development of localized
strategies for addressing women's economic needs and promoting peacebuilding
goals are proposed. Over the course of the project development partners have
made substantial financial and technical contributions to make this project a
success. The initiative has started to engage the community in Mogadishu and
women leaders have been enthusiastic about it. There is initial evidence of
women peace committees being engaged in designing interventions ensuring they
are relevant to their needs and priorities.
The
Islamabad Center for Education and Peace (ICEP) has been very supportive of
IGAD's efforts, noting the importance of women in building sustainable peace.
Involving women in peace processes is not optional, it's essential, said
officials at ICEP. The organization noted that IGAD's strategy of bringing
women into peace-building processes and at the negotiating table, alongside
economic empowerment, is filling a key gap in many conflicts’ resolution
processes. Too frequently women's involvement in peace processes is not
considered in the context of economic issues. ICEP also highlighted the need
for the programs to be culturally responsive and locally owned, given the
integrated approach of the BWERSP project and best practices in modern
peace-building. Solutions to be found in Somali contexts, with Somali women
themselves shaping sustainable peace in Somalia. The organization underlined
the need for IGAD to work with the local women peace committees, which is the
right approach.
BWERSP is a
milestone in Somalia's peace process. IGAD is investing in sustainable peace by
investing in women's economic resilience and political participation. The
success of the initiative will hinge on the ongoing engagement of all
stakeholders – government institutions, development partners, civil society and
above all, the women leaders and peace committees who will be catalyzing this
transformative action. As Somalia strives for a more peaceful, inclusive and
prosperous future, the international community, including regional partners
such as ICEP, is on hand to assist in these endeavors, recognizing and valuing
women's contributions and placing them at the center of lasting peace
construction.
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