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 based in Cairo, Egypt, focussing on dialogue and mediation. The workshop took place from 22 – 24 October 2024, and was part of a series aimed at empowering Sudanese women refugees; the first workshop was held in Kampala, Uganda two months earlier.
Similar to the Kampala workshop, this event aimed at promoting the inclusion of women in mediation and conflict resolution, supporting women in building trust between opposing groups, and strengthening ownership of peace efforts among various Sudanese communities.
The workshop commenced with a discussion on the positive and negative roles of women during conflict, setting the context for their involvement in peace efforts. Participants then explored key frameworks such as UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which legitimises and advocates for the role of women, as well as the broader peace and security agenda.
The participants’ knowledge was strengthened by understanding the contextual analysis of the current situation in Sudan to enable the women to identify the priority areas for interventions. Emphasis was placed on the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of the conflict, touching on political, security, economic, and social dimensions, as well as the broader geopolitical context.
Additionally, participants were provided with a foundational understanding of mediation and conflict resolution, and they reflected on the need for ceasefire agreements to become more engendered so that it addresses the specific needs of women, including provisions for protection from gender-based violence.
At the end of the workshop, participants worked on an Engagement Strategy that included the need for more engagement through regular meetings with women’s groups, capacity building for the women that should include strengthening the networks and alliances among stakeholders; as well as an advanced training on negotiation skills, communication, and strategy development to prepare for future peace processes. In addition, the participants identified networking as a necessary engagement strategy that will require engagement with local and international like-minded initiatives to share knowledge and advocacy strategies.
These workshops serve as foundational steps to support and increase the capacities of Sudanese women in contributing to ongoing peace efforts. ACCORD and IGAD will continue to engage to identify further steps to support women in peace processes.
