ACCORD has embarked on a year-long initiative in South Africa centred around the South African National Action Plan (SA NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). The project focuses on the participation and prevention pillars of the WPS agenda, aiming to strengthen a coordinated approach to its local implementation. In collaboration with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs), ACCORD is working to advance peace programs and local peacebuilding initiatives that contribute to the overall goals of the WPS agenda.
ACCORD conducted a series of ‘In Our Backyard’ community workshops across South Africa from 06 – 18 September 2024, as part of this broader effort. These workshops were designed to deepen participants’ understanding of how the SA NAP intersects with their daily lives and the dynamics within their communities. A unique aspect of these workshops was the opportunity for participants to lead sessions, applying the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the initiative. This hands-on approach ensured that participants could effectively engage their local communities in discussions and actions related to the SA NAP.
One of the key events under this initiative took place in Soweto, Johannesburg, where the Amazon Leadership Initiative (The ALI), in collaboration with ACCORD, hosted a workshop on the SA NAP and the role of women in peace and security. Held from 06 – 07 September 2024 at Prudens Secondary School, this workshop aimed to localise the principles of the SA NAP, with a particular focus on encouraging young women’s political participation in electoral processes.
The two-day workshop was structured to empower young girls with the tools needed to contribute to peacebuilding and conflict prevention, particularly in the context of elections. Ms. Puseletso Lefakane, representing the ALI, delivered a presentation that outlined the vision, mission, and objectives of the NAP, which are rooted in the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. Ms. Lefakane’s presentation emphasised the interconnectedness of gender, peace, and political processes, highlighting how women’s participation in elections can promote sustainable peace and ensure fairer representation.
One of the workshop’s key moments was a dialogue led by non-partisan voter mobiliser, Ms. Itumeleng Parage. Drawing from her experiences in both the 2019 and 2024 national elections, Ms. Parage addressed the challenges that women face in the electoral process, including persistent gender biases, a lack of resources, and underrepresentation. She encouraged participants to become informed voters and stressed the importance of examining party manifestos to make educated choices at the polls.
Participants also engaged in group activities that focused on generating recommendations to enhance women’s political participation. Their suggestions included expanding voter education drives to schools, providing greater support for independent female candidates, and leveraging women’s wings within political parties to mobilise female voters.
Overall, the workshop succeeded in meeting its objectives by deepening participants’ understanding of the SA NAP and reinforcing the critical role that women play in fostering peaceful, inclusive elections. This initiative has equipped women with the knowledge and confidence to act as advocates for change in their communities, encouraging greater political participation as South Africa approaches the 2026 local elections.
