By Abdullahi Jamaa
Women peacebuilders in Wajir have pledged to strengthen community cohesion and help diffuse political tensions ahead of the upcoming 2027 elections.
The women, who met at a forum on women, peace and security organised by Women Rights Advocacy Initiative (WORAI) under the Kenya Community Engagement and Resilience Programme (KCERP), called for greater women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Participants included legendary peacebuilders, women chiefs, human rights defenders and activists. The forum supported the implementation of Kenya’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (KNAP III) which is anchored on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
Speaking at the forum, Wajir County Chief Officer for Gender and Social Services, Fatuma Olow said women’s role in peacebuilding should be strengthened.
She said women play a vital role in resolving disputes, supporting families, educating children and bringing people together.
“Nothing about women should be decided without women. Their experiences, ideas and leadership are essential in building lasting peace,” Olow said.
The Chief Officer highlighted the critical role of women in peace and security, calling for their inclusion in the decision-making processes.
“When women are safe, families are stronger. When women participate in peacebuilding, communities become more resilient. And when women have equal opportunities to lead, our societies become more just and peaceful,” she noted.
During the forum, participants exchanged ideas and experiences and discussed the challenges women face in strengthening their participation in peace and security.
Participants also reflected on their personal experiences of the inter-clan conflicts that affected Wajir County in the early 1990s, drawing lessons from the past to strengthen current peacebuilding efforts.
“We have asked ourselves many questions and we have got many answers. There will be lasting peace here in Wajir County,” said Nasra Farah, Assistant Chief of Barwaqo Location.
The women also pledged to strengthen existing peace structures ahead of 2027 General Election.
“We are promising that with the coming General Election we are going to have the most brilliant activities concerning peace here in Wajir. We are hoping that women all over the county will help us,” Nasra said.
The women reaffirmed their commitment to lasting peace in the county, calling on all stakeholders to join efforts to strengthen existing peace structures.
“There are people who have fought for the peace that we enjoy today. All in all, what matters a lot is peace. Let us advocate for peace wherever you are,” said Madam Oray Aden.
Worai Project officer Halan Mohamed described the women, peace and security forum as an important platform that supports the implementation of KNAPIII.
“Discussions focused on the four key pillars of KNAP III: Participation and Promotion, Prevention, Protection, and Relief and Recovery,” Mohamed noted.
The forum featured interactive group discussions on ways to strengthen the implementation of KNAP III in Wajir County.
“We identified practical actions to strengthen the implementation of KNAP III at both county and community levels,” she added.
She said the women also discussed the link between Women, Peace and Security (WPS) initiatives and the Kina Mama PCVE Network in Wajir County.
“The forum provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among women and other community stakeholders in preventing violent extremism, promoting social cohesion and building community resilience.”
In recent years, women in Wajir have played an increasingly important role in peacebuilding, security and governance. Their greater inclusion in public decision-making and community dialogue could help strengthen social cohesion and build lasting peace and stability in the county.
