The late Ms Dekha Ibrahim Abdi, a peace activist, poses after being awarded the 2009 Hesse Peace Prize on January 21, 2010 in Wiesbaden, Germany. In 1992, Ms Abdi and other women, started a grassroots peace initiative drawing inspiration from the traditional dispute resolution. PHOTO | AFP
Wajir is an interesting example of women’s involvement in the quest for peace.
In 1992, Dekha Ibrahim and other women, started a grassroots peace initiative that drew inspiration from the traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.
That initiative, Wajir Peace and Development Committee, was the genesis of the district peace committees that have been replicated in the country.
The Wajir experience has been showcased globally as a best practice when it comes to community-led peace initiatives.
When we decided to visit Wajir earlier this month, we did so because the women of this county have shown the entire world how the cause of gender equality can be advanced even in very harsh circumstances. However, major challenges still remain.
The year 2015 was crucial for the enhancement of the women, peace and security agenda, marking the 15th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, which acknowledges the inordinate impact of war on women.
