She Stands for Peace

In this enlightening episode of She Stands for Peace, we delve into the critical role of African women in early warning systems for conflict prevention. We explore the intersection of natural disasters, conflict, and the need for gender-sensitive approaches to early warning mechanisms. With expert insights from Camlus Omogo, Director of IGAD's Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism, and Dr. Richard Munang, Head of UNEP's Climate and Early Warning Systems, we examine how women's participation is not only necessary but can significantly enhance the effectiveness of these systems.  

Join us as we discuss the importance of inclusivity, the empowerment of women through socio-economic resilience, and the transformative potential of early action over early warning. As we approach the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, we consider the progress made and the urgent priorities ahead to ensure women are integral to Africa's peace and security architecture. 

Guests

Camlus Omogo on Gender-Sensitive Early Warning Systems 

Dr. Richard Munang on Climate Disasters and Empowering Women 

Bintou Keita - The Effectiveness of Local Community Engagement in Early Warning Responses 

Amb Bankole Adeoye - The African Peace and Security Architecture and the Role of Women  

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Women's Participation in Peace Processes. 

Tune in to discover the untapped potential of women in safeguarding peace and stability across the African continent, and learn how we can all contribute to a more secure future. Stand for peace with us on She Stands for Peace. 

In this pivotal episode of She Stands for Peace, we delve into the transformative power of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and its potential to reshape the future through inclusion and participation. As we near the 25th anniversary of the landmark UN Resolution 1325, we critically examine the progress made and the hurdles that persist in amplifying women's voices in conflict prevention and peacebuilding across Africa. 

Dr. Rabab Mohammed Ali Baldo, the Senior Gender Advisor to the IGAD Special Envoy on South Sudan, shares her insights on the varying degrees of women's involvement in peace processes, emphasizing the importance of their active and informed participation to influence outcomes meaningfully. 

With the introduction of the UN Secretary-General's New Agenda for Peace, we explore the call for dismantling patriarchal power structures and the necessity for systemic change to ensure gender equality. SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Head of the UN Office to the African Union, discusses the need for concrete actions to transform gender norms and the role of the upcoming Summit of the Future in advancing this agenda. 

Furthermore, we hear from Cynthia Chingwenya, a former African Union Africa Youth Ambassador for Peace for Southern Africa, who highlights the strides and setbacks in youth engagement, particularly the representation and participation of young women in peace and security matters. 

Lastly, we revisit the challenges of political participation for young women through the candid experience of Kenyan politician Editar Ochieng, confronting the reality of violence and the lack of support faced by women candidates. 

Join us as we embark on a new season format, unpacking the four pillars of WPS with experts at the helm of change. Tune in to understand how women's inclusion and participation are not just idealistic goals but essential elements for sustainable peace and security in Africa. 

Stand for peace with Africa’s Women, Peace, and Security agenda! 

Highlights 

- WPS Agenda and the Future of Inclusion- Dr. Rabab Mohammed Ali Baldo's Experiences 

- UN's New Agenda for Peace- SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga's Insights 

- Youth Engagement and Women's Participation with Cynthia Shingwenya 

- Political Participation Challenges with Editar Ochieng 

SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union, joins us in this inaugural episode of Season Four of the She Stands for Peace podcast. In our compelling dialogue, SRSG Onanga-Anyanga reflects on the journey of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in Africa, as we near a quarter-century since its inception. He commends the progress made while candidly addressing the persistent challenges such as deep-rooted societal norms, political inaction, and the threat of backlash. As climate change, economic strife, and violent extremism disproportionately affect women and girls, he underscores the importance of a holistic approach to implementing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. With Africa's adoption of numerous regional and National Action Plans, there is a testament to the political will to advance women's roles in peacebuilding and security. Yet, the struggle for women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in decision-making and conflict mediation persists.  

Join us as we explore these critical issues and celebrate the strides made in gender parity, while also recognizing the road ahead. Share your insights and be part of the conversation by emailing [email protected].  

Stand for peace with Africa’s Women, Peace, and Security agenda! 

Welcome! to season four of the She Stands for Peace podcast, a series by the United Nations Office to the African Union, supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Regular listeners of the podcast will know that past seasons have been a series of interviews with key actors working to achieve WPS in Africa. In this fourth season, we depart from this format. Instead, each episode unpacks various topics aligned with the four pillars of WPS, with insights from guests playing critical roles in achieving the agenda. 

Sarah Muhoya is the Coordinator of the Democracy Trust Fund in Kenya and Head of Positioning & Democracy at Echo Network Africa. In this episode, we discuss women’s equal participation in electoral processes in Africa for political stability and sustainable peace. 

Anita Kiki Gbeho is the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). In this episode, we discuss inclusive approaches to women’s meaningful political participation and leadership.

Mona Juul is Norway's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. In this episode, we discuss Norway's presence in the Security Council, its focus on safeguarding women's participation and broader discussions on foreign policy and WPS in Africa.

Editar Adhiambo Ochieng is Founder of the Feminist for Peace, Rights and Justice Centre.  In this episode, we discuss the impact of women's civic and political participation, election violence, and peacebuilding in informal settlements. 

Comfort Mussa and Amal Habani are journalists from Sudan and Cameroun. In this episode, we discuss the role of journalists, and women journalists, and the impact of their working conditions on the extent to which they can contribute to achieving the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Africa.

Awa Dabo is the Deputy Head of Office for the Peacebuilding Support Office, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. In this episode, we have a conversation about supporting peacebuilding strategies for the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Africa, the realities of localising global strategies, transitional justice, and creating enabling environments for women peacebuilders in Africa.