EAST AFRICA: East African Women Convene to Promote Peace-Building

Date: 
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Source: 
USAID
Countries: 
Africa
Eastern Africa
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Reconstruction and Peacebuilding

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development's Conflict Early Warning Response Mechanism (CEWARN), in partnership with Pact and USAID/EA's Regional Conflict Management and Governance team, recently held a two-day Karamoja Women for Peace-building Networking Meeting in Eldoret, Kenya.

Bringing together 60 women from the Karamoja Cluster (covering border areas of Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda), the meeting highlighted women's peace-building achievements and challenges in the Cluster. It also initiated a continued networking among the women for long term conflict management.

The Guest of Honor was Hon. Esther Murugi, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Development, Kenya. Other participants included Mr. Raymond Kitevu, Acting Director, CEWARN, members of Parliament from the Karamoja region, PACT and USAID/EA representatives.

Some representatives of national Conflict Early Warning and Response Units (CEWERUs) and other participants took time during the meeting to network and share experiences about enhancing peace in their communities.

Some representatives of national Conflict Early Warning and Response Units (CEWERUs) and other participants took time during the meeting to network and share experiences about enhancing peace in their communities.

During the forum women discussed how to enhance the role of women in peace building efforts in the Cluster and how they are impacted by violent conflicts. Results included suggestions for enhancing the role of women in peace building efforts and an agreement to establish a Karamoja Women's Network. The women appreciated the meeting and recommended that such a meeting become an annual event.

Anne Mwaura of USAID/EA attended the event and commented, “These women were inspiring because of their dynamism and keen interest in promoting peace within their communities.”

Beatrice Waraba, 63, an ethnic Samburu, stated, “Women now join the peace dialogues and have a voice. Attitudes are changing and the practice of women blessing successful raiders is dying.”

Photo: USAID