Eac women, peace and security 2012

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EAC WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY “Implementing UNSCR 1325”


The EAC Women, Peace and Security project is a cooperation between the Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (Sweden) and Africa Youth Trust (Kenya), funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).


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TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS

4

ABOUT AFRICA YOUTH TRUST

6

MESSAGE FROM RWI

7

FOREWORD

8

PREFACE

9

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

10

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1325:

11

UNSCR 1325 FOLLOW UP RESOLUTIONS

13

IMPLEMENTATION OF UNSCR 1325 IN THE EAC:

17

CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING UNSCR 1325 IN THE EAC:

24

THE EAC WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY PROJECT

26

ONLINE INFORMATION AND EXCHANGE:

41

USING RESEARCH FOR ADVOCACY

44


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ABBREVIATIONS

AYT-Africa Youth Trust

GBV-Gender Based Violence

NAP’s- National Action Plans

RWI- Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights

SGBV- Sexual and Gender Based Violence

UN- United Nations

UNSCR-United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325


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THE EAST AFRICA COMMUNITY


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ABOUT AFRICA YOUTH TRUST Africa Youth Trust is a registered Trust under the laws of Kenya .Founded in 2005, it is an independent, nonpartisan, youth-serving, development and advocacy organization concerned with issues of social, democratic and economic justice. AYT draws on gender mainstreaming from a rights based approach. This is done with the aim of increasing the meaningful participation of both women and men in processes and discourses with a focus on quality and capacity and works towards the creation of a political, social and legal environment that is receptive to their full and equal participation. Mission We exist to harness the productive energies of youth towards peace, equity and prosperity within and across communities in Africa. Vision A developed and well governed Africa drawing on the energies of all her children. Our Philosophy   

Youth are essential agents and creators of change in society Youth are capable of being at the forefront of effecting change for the good of all in society Every youth deserves a chance to actively participate in development

Our Values 1. 2. 3. 4.

Integrity Accountability and Transparency Commitment and Excellence Non-discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, culture, disability, and health status


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MESSAGE FROM RWI Capacity development cooperation between the Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and Africa Youth Trust goes back to 2009, when the two organizations jointly carried out an intersectional training programme on Human Rights of Women for key institutions and organizations in the EAC region. Follow-up consultations and evaluations in the region, however, have thereafter increasingly showed a strong interest among participants and their respective organizations for similar programmes to move away from the more general human rights of women approach to a more specific prioritized theme. Issues related to violence against women in peace and armed conflict, women´s role in relation to conflict management and peace building then turned out to be the most prioritized ones in the region. The prioritized issues were subsequently included in the continued regional cooperation programme 2012-2015 under the umbrella theme: Women, Peace and Security in the EAC region. Further needs assessments and consultations have since also helped the project to narrow down its initial phase to primarily focus on the improved regional coordination between stakeholders involved in the practical implementation of UNSCR 1325. Dialogue, networking and advocacy are some of the key methodologies in this process to promote increased exchange and interaction between women and men, young and old, from all sectors of societies in the EAC region. We see the successful establishment of a regional network, created by strongly committed, vocal and innovative representatives from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Rwanda in late 2012, as the inspiring kick-start for this action oriented process for enhanced monitoring and advocacy for women´s right to protection from violence during and after armed conflict, and to full participation in all stages of peace building processes. With multiple examples of effective and creative methods for conflict management and advocacy at community and national levels in the EAC region, the network has the potential to be a unique source of inspiration and mutual support. Finally, RWI wishes to express its appreciation to Africa Youth Trust for being an excellent cooperation partner and for constantly proving how instrumental youth is, in driving processes for sustainable peace for the future. Johanna Sjowall - RWI


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FOREWORD Within the East Africa Community, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have all experienced armed conflict in the last two decades and even Tanzania that has been known to be peaceful has faced regional repercussions. Although the triggering factors of these conflicts are varied, the defining characteristics are similar. Women and girls remain a majority of those affected by violence with incidences of sexual and gender based violence rapidly increasing during periods of conflict. In the year 2000, the UN Security Council acknowledged this and adopted United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The resolution acknowledges that particularly women and children account for the vast majority of those adversely affected by armed conflict. It calls for women’s equal participation with men and their full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. While there have been many efforts within the East African Community to implement this landmark resolution, regional coordination is largely missing. The formation of the East African Community comprising Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda provides an opportunity to strengthen and engage in concerted efforts for its implementation in the region. The EAC Women, Peace and Security project hopes to do just this! Through the formation of the EAC Women, Peace and Security Network we hope to largely improve coordination of the implementation UNSCR 1325 in the EAC. By the end of the four year implementation period, we hope to significantly change how women are viewed in the discourse of peace and security specifically within EAC partner states. We work towards a future where governments of the EAC take note of the importance of ensuring women’s full participation in peace and security and where UNSCR 1325 will not just be rhetoric but a reality for women of East Africa.

Nahum Okwiya Executive Director


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PREFACE In 2012, Africa Youth Trust began implementing the EAC Women, Peace and Security Project. In partnership with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, we envisioned a project that would significantly strengthen the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in the East Africa Community. The project which is aimed at enhancing regional approaches for addressing gender in peace and security initiatives in the East African Community was met with a lot of enthusiasm by stakeholders. During the first phase of the project carried out in 2012, we sought to garner support from stakeholders implementing UNSCR 1325 within the EAC. With this goal in mind, the AYT project team met with stakeholders from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Through a series of breakfast meetings that convened stakeholders implementing UNSCR 1325, we were able to gain a firmer understanding of how each of the partner states is implementing the resolution. We also had an opportunity to meet with government officials from the Ministries responsible for upholding women’s rights in each of the partner states. In all the meetings held, the need to enhance regional coordination of women, peace and security initiatives in the EAC was reinforced. The meetings resulted in great partnerships being formed and foundations for the creation of a regional network established. In November 2012, the EAC Women, Peace and Security Network was officially established. The network has the potential to significantly impact the execution of UNSCR 1325 in the East Africa Community. It has potential to greatly improve the attention given to women, peace and security initiatives in the EAC; to advocate for improved budgetary practices as relates to women, peace and security; and to ultimately have an East African Community that addresses matters of women, peace and security collectively with one voice.

Stella Agara Deputy Executive Director


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Africa Youth Trust expresses its gratitude to our development partners who have supported the implementation of the EAC Women, Peace and Security Project. We acknowledge the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian law for your invaluable support. We are sincerely grateful to all the stakeholders, governments and civil society alike that have supported the implementation of this project. We acknowledge the efforts of the AYT team led by Executive Director, Nahum Okwiya and Deputy Executive Director, Stella Agara; Officers Jessica Njui , Doreen Nyasuguta Machogu, Catherine Ike and Madonah Syombua. Last but not least, we salute the members of EAC Women, Peace and Security Network for their dedication to the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and their resilience, passion and determination in advocating for this agenda in the East African Community.


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UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted in October 2000. It marked the first time, that the most powerful international multilateral security institution-the UN Security Council formally recognized the centrality of gender in its approaches to international peace and security. UNSCR 1325 expresses concern that civilians, particularly women and children, account for the vast majority of those adversely affected by armed conflict and recognizes the consequent impact this has on durable peace and reconciliation. It reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, and the need to increase their role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution.


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United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325:

“Urges member states to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflict. ”

Calls for an incorporation of a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations, and seeks to expand the role and contribution of women in United Nations field-based operations, and especially among military observers, civilian police, human rights and humanitarian personnel.

Calls for the appointment of more women as special representatives.

Appeals to all parties to armed conflict to respect international law applicable to the rights and protection of women and girls and take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, and all other forms of violence in situations of armed conflict. It further urges them to take into account the particular needs of women and girls in the design of refugee and camp settlements.

Puts responsibility on member states to put an end to impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes including those relating to sexual and other violence against women and girls, and in this regard stresses the need to exclude these crimes, where feasible from amnesty provisions.

Encourages all those involved in the planning for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration to consider the different needs of female and male ex-combatants and to take into account the needs of their dependents.


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UNSCR 1325 FOLLOW UP RESOLUTIONS Since 2008, there has been a wave of new Security Council resolutions on Women, Peace and Security. These resolutions seek to compliment and strengthen UNSCR 1325 and are a reflection of current thinking on moving the “women, peace and security” agenda forward. UNSCR 1820(2008) Adopted in 2008, it reaffirms Resolution 1325 and directly places the issue of the sexual violence on the agenda of the UN Security Council. UNSCR 1820: •

Recognizes sexual violence as a security problem requiring a systematic security response by stressing that sexual violence, when used or commissioned as a tactic of war in order to deliberately target civilians or as a part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilian populations, can significantly exacerbate situations of armed conflict and may impede the restoration of international peace.

Demands parties to armed conflict take appropriate measures to protect women and girls from sexual violence and further calls for the development of effective mechanisms for providing protection from sexual violence, to women and girls in and around refugee and internally displaced persons camps.

Recognizes the importance of countering impunity and strengthening accountability by developing justice mechanisms to deal with

“Demands the immediate and complete cessation by all parties to armed conflict of all acts of sexual violence. ”


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impunity and prosecution of perpetrators of sexual violence, ensuring that women and girls survivors have access to justice. UNSCR 1888(2009) UNSCR 1888 was adopted in September 2009. It reaffirms resolution 1820 by following up on the issue of sexual violence. UNSCR 1888: •

Makes specific requests in this regard including the appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General to coordinate UN efforts to address sexual violence.

Calls for the engagement of local women and women’s organizations in identifying and addressing concerns and needs of women in areas of armed conflict. It further encourages leaders at the national and local level, including traditional leaders where they exist and religious leaders, to play a more active role in sensitizing communities on sexual violence.

UNSCR 1889(2009)

“Calls for appropriate measures to deploy a team of experts to situations of particular concern with respect to sexual violence in armed on the ground to assist national authorities to strengthen the rule of law.”

Adopted on 5 October 2009 UNSCR 1889, shifted attention back to the central role of UNSCR 1325 by requesting the development of a set of indicators for use at the global level to track implementation of its resolution 1325 which could serve as a common basis for reporting by relevant United Nations entities, other international and regional organizations, and Member States, on the implementation of resolution 1325.


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UNSCR 1889 •

Reaffirms commitment of implementing and monitoring of UNSCR 1325 and addresses obstacles to women’s participation in peace processes.

Calls for the improvement of international and national responses to the needs of women in conflict and post -conflict settings and the mainstreaming of gender perspectives in peace and reconstruction processes.

UNSCR 1960(2010) UNSCR 1960 was adopted by the UN Security Council in December 2010. The resolution notes the slow progress on the issue of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict in particular against women and children and that despite condemnation sexual violence has become more systematic and widespread, reaching high levels of brutality.

“Calls for parties to armed conflict to make and implement specific and time-bound commitments to combat sexual violence and further calls upon those parties to make and implements specific commitments on timely investigation of alleged abuses in order to hold perpetrators accountable.

UNSCR 1960: Calls for the inclusion of detailed information on parties to armed conflict that are credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for acts of rape or other forms of sexual violence and expresses the intention of the security council to use this list as a basis for more focused engagement with those parties including measures in accordance with the relevant sanction committees.



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IMPLEMENTATION OF UNSCR 1325 IN THE EAC


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The EAC The East Africa Community (EAC) is an intergovernmental

organization

comprising

5

partner states of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. The treaty for the establishment of the EAC came to force on 7th July 2000, after the signing of the treaty by member states on 30th November 1999. The EAC as a body envisions having a prosperous, competitive, secure and politically united East Africa. This can only be attained within the context of a structured security arrangement that can create the right environment for integration initiatives, capable of protecting the gains attained. The EAC therefore recognizes this and as such acknowledges peace and Security as a pre-requisite for the success of the integration.

The EAC partner states have made credible steps in implementing UNSCR 1325 through:

Mr. Mwangi Kahenu from the Ministry of East African Commu


unity giving opening remarks at the regional networking forum

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Development of National Action Plans

The

UN

Secretary

recommends

that

General National

commitment and capacity to implement resolution

1325

should

strengthened

through

development

National

of

be the

Action

Plans. National Action Plans: 

Are essential if the comprehensively

resolution is to be and

successfully

implemented. 

Presents the opportunity to all aspects of

coordinate

government action related

to Resolution 1325.

Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda have

a l l

developed

the

NAPS

for

implementation of UNSCR 1325 and are currently

in

the

implementing the plans.

process

of


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Burundi’s NAP for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and 1820 was launched in

Rwanda’s NAP for the launched

August 2011 implementation of UNSCR 1325

was

in May 2011

Uganda’s Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 & 1820 and the Goma declaration was released in December 2008 and revised in 2011.


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Kenya and Tanzania’s national governments have also adopted the mandate but are yet to roll out their National Action Plans. 

Kenya’s NAP for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 & 1820 is

complete and awaits an official launch in 2013. 

Tanzania is laying the groundwork for the development of its

NAP.


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Although focus has been on the development of National Action Plans to advance implementation of the resolution, other strategies have also been used to achieve full implementation of the resolution. Through national and foreign policy and domestication of international and regional human rights instruments, EAC partner states have mainstreamed certain aspects of the resolution. 

The five EAC partner states have Gender responsive Constitutions that seek to outlaw discrimination based on gender and increase the number Increasing

of

women women’s

in

decision

representation

making. at

all

decision making levels is one of the stipulations of the resolution. “There has been significant progress in the EAC in representation of women in legislatures. Rwanda stands out with 52% of women represented in parliament. Representation of women is at 42.3% in Burundi, 36% in Tanzania and 31% in Uganda.” 

The five EAC Partner states have Penal Codes and sexual offences provisions that assign punitive measures to perpetrators of sexual and gender based violence. The resolution calls for states to take special measures to protect


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women and girls from gender based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse. “The EAC Partner states have taken significant strides to prevent, respond and prosecute sexual and gender based violence. In all five partner states the legislative framework is very favorable and has sought to promote and safeguard the human rights of women.�



Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda are all members states of the UN, AU and are signatories to the ICGLR pact on security, stability and development in the great lakes region. They have therefore made commitments to domesticate various international and regional instruments that support the implementation of UNSCR 1325. Respect of international law applicable to the rights and protection of women and girls is one of the stipulations of the resolution.


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Civil Society Implementation: Civil society organizations have been carrying out activities that directly implement the resolution. However many are not aware that they are directly contributing to the goals of the resolution.

“Women’s organizations in the EAC partner states, before and after the inception of the resolution have been advancing the core principles of 1325 in a tireless and consistent fashion.”

Since the adoption of UNSCR 1325, organizations seeking to uphold the rights of women have used UNSCR 1325 as a tool to assert greater recognition of women’s role and participation in conflict management, resolution and peace building.


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CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING UNSCR 1325 IN THE EAC: A baseline study commissioned by Africa Youth Trust in January 2012 identified the following as the main challenges that impede the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in the EAC: 

Inadequate financial and human resources that hinder both state and non-state actor’s capacity to deliver on the UNSCR 1325. Resources committed to women peace and securities are almost entirely donor funded.

Low political will and capacity by state actors to implement agreed commitments of UNSCR 1325. There is slow implementation of the UNSCR 1325, a factor that calls for in-depth investigation in order to inform the stakeholders’ interventions and boost implementation speed.

Insufficient information, documentation and low quality of statistics regarding the status of UNSCR 1325 implementation including; insufficient data, statistics and evidence on the status of women peace and security.

Low knowledge levels pertaining to the UNSCR 1325, including other supportive instruments, and low translation of the existing knowledge into operation, within the EAC Government’s gender and security focal points, EAC secretariat, CSOs and the academia..

Disjointed efforts by UNSCR 1325 stakeholders including the CSOs, women and youth movements, and EAC government agencies and line ministries, and EAC secretariat departments.


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THE EAC WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY PROJECT In 2012, the EAC Women, peace and security project which seeks to strengthen the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 was officially launched. The project is a partnership between Africa Youth Trust and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian law with sponsorship from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

The objective of the project is to enhance regional approaches for addressing gender in peace and security initiatives in the EAC region.


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The project seeks to address four main gaps identified in the implementation of UNSCR in the EAC. The project therefore seeks to: 

Increase regional coordination of the implementation of UNSCR 1325 on women, peace and security among EAC partner states of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

Improve knowledge on budgetary practice in the 5EAC countries as relates

to

women, peace and security 

Increase access to up-to-date information on women, peace and security

Increase

opportunities

for

exchange

of

best

practices

between

stakeholders implementing UNSCR 1325

At the end of the four year implementation period, the project envisions an EAC region that puts issues of women, peace and security at the forefront of their agenda. The project has designed various strategies to address the gaps and strengthen the implementation of the resolution in the EAC. In the first phase of the project carried out in 2012, the following strategies were used, and will set the foundations for the rest of the implementation period (2013-2015)


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Dialogue

Networking


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Online information exchange

Research and Advocacy


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DIALOGUE: Dialogue is one of the strategies the Project has used to engage with governments of the EAC and CSO’s implementing UNSCR 1325. Each of the EAC partner states have been implementing the resolution through various avenues. Through dialogue, countries can learn from one another and adopt effective strategies that will aid the implementation of the resolution. Dialogue also opens up avenues through which stakeholders implementing UNSCR 1325 can devise strategies to improve regional approaches to aid its implementation.

Dialogue with Government Ministries During the country visits the AYT team met with various government officials from

the

Ministries

responsible

for

upholding the human rights of women in each of the EAC partner states. This served to introduce the EAC, Women, Peace and Security Project and seek support from the Ministries as key stakeholders in the implementation of UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. 

In Rwanda, the project sought support from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, which houses Rwanda’s National Action Plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325. The team met with the Ms. Judith Kazaire, the Director of Gender in t h e


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Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion. The project received with enthusiasm and support was offered to further the implementation of UNSCR in the EAC. 

In Burundi, the project sought support from the Ministry of National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender where Burundi’s NAP for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 & 1820 is housed. The project team met Ms. Estella

“In Kenya, Africa Youth Trust sits on the Steering Committee that is responsible for developing Kenya’s National Action Plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325. The process is coordinated by the National Gender and Equality Commission. ” Cimpaye, the Director of the Advancement of Women in the Ministry.

In Uganda, the project sought support from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development where Uganda Nap for the implementation of UNSCR 1325, 1820 and the Goma declaration is housed. The project team met with Ms Jane Mpagi, the director,


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Gender

and Community Development who gave her full support and that of her

department to the project. 

In Tanzania, the project sought support from the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children. The Project team met

with Mr Meshack Ndaskoi the Director of

Gender and Development in the Ministry. The Director offered his full support to the project and opened the country breakfast meeting that was scheduled in Dar es Salaam.

Dialogue with Civil Society Organizations implementing UNSCR 1325: During the first phase of the project, country breakfast meetings were held in each of the EAC partner states. The meetings convened organizations implementing UNSCR 1325 in each of the partner states.

The dialogue in these meetings revolved around: 

Possibilities

for

creation

of

networks

to

regional

coordination of UNSCR as an EAC 

Creating partnerships and networking at a national level and devising strategies to replicate successful national strategies at a regional level

Strategies to improve implementation of UNSCR 1325 in the East Africa Community

Seated From Left: Tiyay Galgalo with other network m meeting, held at Intercontinent


members at the Nairobi Country breakfast tal Hotel—Nairobi.

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The Country Breakfast meetings took place in: 

Rwanda on 10th October 2012

Burundi on 12th October 2012

Kenya on 16th October 2012

Uganda on 23rd October 2012

Tanzania on 27th October 2012

In every meeting conducted, the following consensus was reached: 

The need to enhance regional coordination of women, peace a n d security and initiatives in the EAC

Unanimous interest by organizations implementing UNSCR 1325 to form and be part of a regional network for coordinated implementation of the resolution.

With this feedback from the country breakfast meetings, AYT began the process of creating a regional network that would then become the EAC Women, Peace and Security Network.


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NETWORKING: Networking is critical in coordinating efforts among implementers of UNSCR 1325 in the region. It involves the cultivation of productive relationships and has the potential to significantly impact and transform a situation on a higher scale. Networks have more: 

Increased negotiating power

Easier and efficient outreach

Improved coordination

Establishing Networks The process of establishing the network was threefold: 

Mapping Study to identify actors implementing UNSCR 1325

Country Dialogue meetings to meet with the identified actors and seek consensus for the need to create a regional network

Regional

Networking

forum

bring

together

identified

actors

from

Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania Uganda.

and


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The regional networking forum was held in Mombasa, White Sands Hotel, Kenya between the 21st and 23rd November. During the forum, the EAC Women, Peace and Security Network was officially established.

The EAC Women, Peace and Security Network consist of: 

Civil Society Organizations implementing UNSCR 1325 in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda

Gender Ministries in the EAC Partner states

EAC Ministries in the EAC Partner States

The EAC Women, Peace and Security Network will develop a joint strategy on how to synergize efforts within the region to improve implementation of the resolution.

The network provides a platform for exchange and learning among actors in the EAC region and an opportunity for joint advocacy geared towards strengthening the implementation of the resolution.

EAC Women, Peace and Security Network The EAC Women, Peace and Security Network is still fairly new but holds great potential for the future. A network is only as strong as its members as they are responsible for steering it in the right direction, giving it the vigor and strength to achieve its goals.


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Some of the EAC Women, Peace and Security Network members have described the network as: “INYISHU” (RESPONSE)

“The word that comes to mind in describing the EAC Women, Peace and Security Network in one word is Inyishi, which means response in English. I give this description because I believe that this network will bring sustainable solutions to issues encountered by women in the EAC region” Jean Baptiste, Burundi

“INCLUSIVE” “The EAC Women, Peace and Security Network is inclusive. The network is representative of the diverse groups that make up society-women and men, the youth, organizations working in the rural and urban settings. Everyone is included and everyone’s voice is represented.”

Jane Anyango, Kenya


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“PASSIONNÉS” (PASSIONATE) “Fighting for a Peaceful East Africa Community supported by women’s active participation is more than a passion for us. It’s not what our community says we should love, it’s not what our friends or families say we should care about; it’s what we, at the deepest and most honest part of us, are committed and engaged to achieve. We believe the implementation of UNSCR 1325 to be the solution EAC needs for ensuring a better world for all and like a mountain stream, this passion has admits of no impediment; it cannot go backward; it must go forward…”

Ninon

Ndayikengurukiye,

Burundi

“POWERFUL” “The EAC Women, Peace and Security Network is powerful as it links organizations implementing UNSCR 1325 in the EAC.”

Fred Onyango, Uganda


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“HOPE”

“I describe the EAC Women, Peace and Security Network as Hope. Hope because every EAC country hopes to learn from each other how issues of women peace and security are mainstreamed into their plans. “ Nuhu Changawa, Tanzania

"SURPASS” “I have seen this network go from rhetoric to practice. The network knows no boundaries. It looks at women as women with common challenges that need to be addressed by all stakeholders”

Betty Aguti, Uganda


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"INFORMATIVE” “Its uniqueness in addressing the specific issue of Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in the five partner States of EAC makes it extremely informative on the issue. It allows members to compare what each partner state is undertaking in regard to the resolution and has enhanced information sharing among the members from different countries.”

Kennedy Walusala, Kenya

“Interactive” “The network is interactive. It has allowed us to share experiences and best practices on how we are implementing resolution 1325 in our countries. The network has greatly strengthened partnerships between organizations.”

Joelle Mutangampundu



ONLINE INFORMATION EXCHANGE Exchange of information through online portals is becoming a more acceptable and reliable way to communicate. The EAC, Women, Peace and Security project has utilized this as a strategy to increase access to up-to-date information on women,

peace

and

security

and

create

opportunities for exchange of best practices between stakeholders implementing UNSCR 1325. This has been made possible through the development

of

a

knowledge

management

platform dubbed “the 1325 Hub” The 1325 Hub can be accessed on http:// www.the1325hub.org/ The hub is being utilized by the EAC Women, Peace and Security Network to document experiences in implementing UNSCR 1325. The hub is designed to facilitate an environment for: 

Networking


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Learning

Collaborative

Dialogue and information sharing

Networking


Page 43 

Learning

Collaboration

Dialogue and Information Sharing

The hub will be used to acquire, store and utilize the knowledge for learning and development of strategies to ensure the effective implementation of UNSCR 1325. The hub has the following features: 

Facilitates access to relevant references, such as guidelines, strategies, reports and other information

Allows download and upload of the specific documents in a format that supports PDF, Word, Excel and PowerPoint presentations.

Provide a discussion forum feature that enable Parties to maintain contact, share ideas and brainstorm on how to implement UNSCR 1325 within the EAC.

Provides a Calendar of Events within the EAC

Provides maps showing contacts of organizations implementing 1325 in EAC, Map of locations in the EAC with Women, Peace and Security activities and Map of activities in thematic areas.

Provides a powerful and smart search engine to present results in a user-friendly and structured way.

Provides an on-line submission system allowing stakeholders to upload information and contribute to the knowledge base


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Using Research for Advocacy

Research and Advocacy forms a major component of the EAC Women, Peace and Security Project.

Through research, gaps in policy formulation and implementation are identified and factual information provided. This forms the foundation through which targeted advocacy action can take place.

A baseline study carried out in January 2012 to access the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in the EAC indicated that inadequate financial resources hinder the effective implementation of the resolution. The EAC, women peace and security project has therefore sought to examine the issue of finance


Page 45

and

resource

allocation

for

the

implementation of UNSCR 1325 and its supporting resolutions in the EAC.

A

budget

tracking

exercise

was

commissioned in 2012 to investigate the

“Adequate and predictable funding is crucial for efficient and s u s t a i n a b l e implementation of the resolution.�

issue further. The exercise tracked the national budgets of the EAC partner states for the 2012-2013 fiscal year to determine

UN Secretary General 2007

how issues of Women, Peace and Security have been mainstreamed in the various The allocation of financial resources should

national budgets.

be one of the indicators and bench marks The final report indicated that there is need to lobby governments of the EAC to allocate resources to enable full implementation of the resolution. The inclusion of the cost of 1325 implementation in national budgets will guarantee

integration

in

national

development strategies and ownership of the resolution

and

its

implementation

mechanisms at the country level.

that various governments and civil society and other stakeholders should use to gauge implementation of the resolution.


Page 46

From Left: Mary Massay, Grace Mgamaba and Catherine David from Tanzania

Therese Uwimana and Chantal Muhimpundu from Rwanda

Ninon Ndayikengurukiye, Alice Mugeni and Nuhu Changawa

From Left: Ramla Mohamed, Johanna Sjowall and Robinah Rubimbwa

Cyrus Nkusi and Ebben Msuya

Lydia Aballa and Jean Baptiste


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AYT PROJECT TEAM: From Right: Stella Agara, Catherine Ike, Doreen N Machogu and Jessica Njui

Photos Courtesy of: Johanna Sjowall (RWI) and Doreen Nyasuguta Machogu(AYT)


Africa Youth Trust

Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI Stora Grรฅbrรถdersgatan 17 B P.O. Box 1155 SE-221 05 Lund, Sweden www.rwi.lu.se


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