On 17 September 2024, the Durban University of Technology hosted a workshop aimed at empowering youth student leaders to localise the South African National Action Plan (SA NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). Organised by ACCORD in collaboration with She Leads, the event provided an interactive platform for participants to explore the relevance of WPS and its impact on fostering peace and gender equality.
The workshop brought together participants from university organisations, including the Qhakaza Ladies Network and Student Representatives. It served as a capacity-building initiative, addressing the lack of exposure among student leaders to theoretical frameworks and leadership dialogues related to WPS policies.
Facilitators Ms. Aphile-amanzima Mazibuko, She Leads Programmes Manager, and Ms. Lwandile Moyo, ACCORD Programme Officer, guided participants through key concepts of WPS, focusing on the participation and prevention pillars of the SA NAP. Engaging activities, such as group discussions and presentations, enabled participants to conceptualise community-based peace centres addressing pressing societal issues, from gender-based violence to youth unemployment.
A critical element of the workshop was its emphasis on inclusivity. Participants highlighted the need to involve men in WPS discussions to foster mutual understanding and dismantle harmful gender norms. Discussions also reflected on the importance of applying African values such as Ubuntu while navigating the intersection of constitutional frameworks and cultural laws.
The impact of the workshop was evident in the post-event feedback, where 90.5% of participants reported an increased understanding of the SA NAP and its practical applications.
This initiative marks a significant step in bridging the gap between policy and grassroots implementation by equipping youth leaders with the knowledge and tools to champion the WPS agenda within their communities. As the majority demographic in South Africa, young people are poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring that frameworks like the SA NAP are localised and impactful.
