ACCORD, in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD’s) Department of Political Affairs, Mediation and Peacebuilding, held a capacity-building workshop for Sudanese women refugees on dialogue and mediation. The workshop was held in Kampala, Uganda from 20 – 22 August 2024. It focused on promoting the inclusion of women in mediation and conflict resolution, supporting women in building trust between opposing groups, and strengthening ownership for peace efforts among various Sudanese communities.
The political conflict in Sudan, following the Sudanese Revolution of 2019, underscored the critical need for inclusive peace processes that incorporate the voices of women. The workshop therefore convened women from various women networks engaged in peacebuilding efforts. Several peace processes have taken place since the revolution, and this workshop contributed to the platform for enabling constructive dialogue amongst the women networks regarding their participation in past and future processes.
During the dialogue session, women were able to reflect and deliberate on their participation in Track 2 peace processes, specifically during the Juba Agreement for Peace in Sudan. They were able to identify some of their challenges and lessons learned through this process. Participants appreciated the session, noting that it was the first time they had the opportunity to reflect on this experience and to engage in and consider how to proceed differently in further peace talks.
In addition, the participants were able to map out their various efforts in the peace process from humanitarian to peacebuilding responses. They further identified a selection of criteria of inclusivity to ensure that women with the relevant knowledge and skills are part of the selection process. A statement of inclusivity together with a strategic plan was also developed. The statement will be used to advocate for inclusivity in the peace process.
ACCORD and IGAD continue their collaboration to further provide capacity building to Sudanese women for effective participation in peace processes.
