In contributing to the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 as well as other resolutions and frameworks on women, peace and security, ACCORD conducts training on mediation targeting women from different backgrounds and categories. To this end, ACCORD in collaboration with the Fellowship of Christian Council & Churches in the Great Lakes & the Horn of Africa (FECCLHA) and the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), trained the Regional Faith Women Peace Mediators in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa on mediation. The women were drawn from the Muslim and Christian communities from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Sudan and Rwanda. The training took place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 18-22 September 2017.
The training covered modules on conflict analysis and mapping, communication and trust building, negotiation, mediation, lobbying and advocacy. The training used interactive simulations to improve participant’s skills and knowledge. Further, the training incorporated the sharing of experiences and good practices sessions which helped the participants to reflect on the practice of mediation, based on their own contexts. This was also strengthened by the experiences of guest speakers, women who have been working on resolving conflict at different levels in Rwanda and in the region.
The study visits which were part of the training gave an opportunity to the women to engage with different stakeholders who were involved in the Gacaca process and/or peace work in Rwanda. One of the study visits was to the Friends Peace House. The participants also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
At the end of the training, a Network for the women of faith working on mediation was launched to provide a platform for the women to engage more in mediation efforts at different levels. The Network will also be a platform for women in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region to share best practices and lessons learnt on the involvement of women in peace processes.
Strengthening women’s capacities to participate in peace processes is key in working towards inclusive and sustainable peace processes, this training thus highlights ACCORD’s continued engagement and commitment on the same.
