On 11 September 2024, ACCORD in partnership with Camp Sizanani Life Skills hosted a Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) workshop in the community of Poortjie in Johannesburg, South Africa. This workshop was part of ACCORD’s yearlong initiative to advance the local implementation of South Africa’s National Action Plan (NAP) on WPS by fostering the active participation of women and youth in peacebuilding efforts.
The workshop engaged participants in thought-provoking discussions, debates, and creative activities such as a college exercise to explore socio-economic, cultural, and political factors that either enable or hinder women’s involvement in peace and security. Key issues identified included gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and unequal access to resources. Despite these challenges, participants proposed actionable solutions, such as fostering community collaboration, empowering women with life skills, and enhancing accountability mechanisms for local leadership.
The workshop also showcased the importance of intergenerational and multi-sectoral participation in addressing local challenges and amplifying the voices of women in decision-making processes. By involving participants of various ages and sectors—ranging from youth to civil society representatives— the platform fostered a rich exchange of experiences and ideas. Seasoned participants shared wisdom from lived experiences, while younger attendees contributed innovative perspectives. The multi-sectoral engagement brought expertise and resources from community leaders, social workers, and local organisations, enabling practical solutions to issues like gender-based violence and poverty. This inclusive approach underscored the importance of collective action to enhance women’s representation and create safe, participatory environments for advancing peace and security.
The workshop’s success has spurred plans for a follow-up roundtable discussion to establish a women-led task force. This initiative will focus on engaging local stakeholders, including civil society organisations and government representatives, to strengthen collaboration and ensure inclusive decision-making in Poortjie.
