Harness power of local women for sustainable peace

Communities are often at the heart of conflict, and women in these spaces possess the insights and resilience necessary to create lasting peace. Yet, traditionally, their voices have been marginalised in formal peace and security structures. 

Over the past decade, United Nations Women and the government of Finland have worked together to promote gender equality and foster sustainable peace in Kenya. A key pillar of this partnership has been the Women, Peace and Security agenda, which has championed the inclusion of women in peacebuilding and security decision-making processes.

The Kenya National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 continues to drive localisation efforts, leading to the successful launch of county action plans in 18 counties. In these counties we have seen tangible outcomes: more secure and resilient communities, gender-responsive policy formulation, and increased collaboration between local women leaders and human rights defenders. 

Women’s voices

These efforts have also improved service delivery for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. While tremendous progress has been made, much more can be achieved by tapping into the strength of local women at the grassroots level in all 47 counties.

Through the partnership with Finland, women’s participation in county peace committees has grown by 50 per cent, from just 14 per cent in 2017 to 34 per cent in 2023. This progress is a testament to the power of localised action. Strengthening the networks of women in mediation and peace committees will be essential to ensuring that women’s voices are heard and acted upon throughout Kenya.

Women have demonstrated that when given a seat at the table, they foster peace. Their contributions are essential to shaping the future stability of Kenya, not just as participants but leaders in peace-building. Prominent women like Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights Harriette Chiggai, Dr Monica Juma, President’s Advisor on National Security, and Major-General Fatumah Ahmed, Commander of the Air Force, demonstrate how women’s leadership can reshape the security sector in Kenya. 

An important contribution to the agenda globally is the work done by the International Peace Support Training Centre located in Nairobi and led by Brigadier Joyce Sitienei. Among other things, the centre provides trainings to female military officers to prepare them for assignments in peace operations globally.

Kenya’s peace-building role

Patriarchal norms still pose challenges to women’s full participation in peace and security processes. We need to enhance male engagement in order to dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote more inclusive, effective conflict prevention and resolution. It is also crucial to ensure participation across generations and involve young women and men in peace building. 

The experience from the Women, Peace and Security agenda can guide the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions on Youth, Peace and Security in Kenya. A solid domestic framework for inclusive peace will further strengthen Kenya’s peace-building role internationally. 

To continue building peace, we need collective action, involving government, local and religious leaders, civil society, and the international community. Finland remains a strong partner to UN Women and together we support the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Kenya and globally.

Mr Tapiola is Finland’s ambassador to Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea, Seychelles and Uganda, and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN Habitat. Ms Mutavati is the UN Women Kenya Country Representative.