The lack of women’s voices has contributed to a prevalence of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and a lack of justice for many survivors. In the lead-up to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, stakeholders gathered in Nairobi for a regional symposium to reaffirm the commitment to empower women’s role in shaping peace and security across East and Southern Africa.
Co-hosted by our FCDO-funded REINVENT programme in partnership with the Kenyan State Department for Gender, UN Women and JICA, the symposium recognised the efforts made in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda across East and Southern Africa, focusing on amplifying women’s voices, localising efforts, and integrating gender-responsive practices across the security sector.
The event commemorated the 24th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 – a milestone resolution that set women’s participation at the heart of the peace processes. It was a crucial reflection point on the value of cross-border collaboration, bringing together voices from both national and grassroots levels to share practical solutions and best practices, while recognising current gaps and challenges.
REINVENT’s support for Kenya’s WPS initiatives
Since the adoption of UNSCR 1325, Kenya has taken the lead in turning the resolution’s vision into two National Action Plans (NAPs) that outline a practical implementation of the commitment to empower women as active participants in conflict prevention, management, and resolution.
By incorporating Violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a key pillar of the REINVENT programme, Tetra Tech has been at the forefront of advancing Kenya’s WPS agenda, supporting initiatives to improve community safety, enhance public-police relations, reduce violent extremism, and advance gender equality.
REINVENT programme has played a key part in supporting Kenya’s ambition to champion integrating gender perspectives into peace and security. Reinvent assisted in creating an accessible version of NAP 2, enabling 18 counties to localise the WPS agenda, adapting it to the unique challenges of each region. REINVENT continues to channel UK’s support as Kenya is preparing its third NAP, building on the successes and lessons learned from previous efforts.
We supported Kenya’s dedication to the WPS efforts by launching the POLICARE initiative under the REINVENT programme in collaboration with Kenya’s National Police Service. This initiative tackles sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through a proactive, survivor-centred approach, ensuring that survivors can access support through comprehensive, sensitive services. As POLICARE centres are now operational in Nairobi and Nanyuki with strengthened gender units in police stations, REINVENT is integrating the WPS agenda into Kenya’s institutional framework.
Leigh Stubblefield, the British Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director to Kenya, has highlighted the UK’s steadfast support for the WPS agenda through REINVENT’s assistance for Kenya’s transition to its third NAP, reiterating the importance of sustained, international collaboration.
In her recent visit to the WPS initiatives in Wajir, Leigh Stubblefield noted the progress in women’s empowerment and their inclusion in political spaces: “In my last field visits to the WPS initiatives funded by the UK government under REINVENT and the Borderlands Project, Deris Wanaag (‘Good Neighbourliness’) in Wajir, I met representatives from the Wajir Women Council and I am pleased that several of the Council members are participating in the WPS symposium. Listening to their testimonies, it was evident that women empowerment and inclusion in the political spaces of Wajir is on a positive trajectory.”
Looking forward
The symposium was an important platform to celebrated achievements across East and Southern Africa, but the work is far from over – sustaining this momentum to build sustainable peace and resilience is crucial. REINVENT joined other stakeholders in making concluding commitments to protect and empower women, prioritising inclusive partnerships and localising efforts.
“We have learnt that we need to be accountable and ensure more women are meaningfully involved in peace and security, they are not only represented in leadership but also have voice and agency.”
Jaki Mbogo, Chief of Party for the REINVENT Programme and Chair of Kenya’s National Steering Committee on Women, Peace and Security