Sonke Gender Justice, MenEngage Africa, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILP) organized a summit in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 5th to December 8th, 2014. The aim of this regional meeting was to review and validate the Men, Militarism, Peace, and Security Strategy that was produced by MEA in collaboration with WILPF. This strategy is a comprehensive plan that aims to address the root causes of violence and militarism in Africa. The overarching goal is to advocate for a more peaceful and inclusive continent where citizens can enjoy and realize their rights.
The meeting brought partners represented by Sonke Gender Justice, MenEngage Africa and WILPF from across the region to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to implementing the strategy. Participants engaged in strategic discussions and shared best practices on how to promote gender equality, prevent violence against women and children, and build a more peaceful and just society. The Men, Militarism, Peace, and Security Strategy also seeks to address these issues by promoting gender equality, advocating for disarmament, and promoting peacebuilding initiatives. The meeting was an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and develop practical solutions to the challenges facing the continent.
“Because the MenEngage agenda is about mobilizing and engaging men and boys for achieving gender equality, promoting human rights and reducing violence at all levels across the continent, including questioning the structural barriers that drive gender inequalities. This is even more important for WILPF as one of the obstacles to advancing the WPS agenda is the predominance of patriarchy, which can only be deconstructed through the joint action of women and men. As a matter of fact, positive masculinity is proving to be an important asset in advancing the WPS agenda, so that women alone do not have to solve the problems they did not create”, Sylvie Ndongmo, International Board, WILPF.
“Men Engage Africa and WILPF Joint Men, Militarism, Peace and Security Strategy is indeed a veritable key to realizing Africa’s Feminist Peace Initiative”, Dr Chris Ugwu, Executive Director of Society for the Improvement of Rural People (MenEngage Nigeria Secretariat) added.
This meeting was essential because Africa has been plagued by conflicts and violence for many years. The consequences of these conflicts have been devastating, resulting in loss of life, displacement of people, and destruction of property. Women and children are often the most affected by these conflicts, as they are subjected to sexual violence, forced labour, and other forms of abuse.
In today’s world, conflicts and wars have become a common occurrence, and the consequences of these conflicts are far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals involved but also the larger society. The Men, Militarism, Peace, and Security Strategy aims to address the root causes of these conflicts and promote lasting peace and security. This strategy recognises the negative impact of militarism, militarized masculinities, and sexual and gender-based violence on women and girls during and after conflicts. Therefore, it emphasizes the need to promote women’s participation in decision-making and peace processes, as envisioned by UNSCR 1325.
Women have often been excluded from peace processes and decision-making, thereby perpetuating gender inequality and limiting the potential for sustainable peace. Women’s participation in peace processes is essential to ensure that their perspectives and experiences are taken into account. Women bring a unique perspective to peace processes, which is often overlooked in the male-dominated decision-making process. Therefore, it is critical to promote women’s participation in peace processes to build a peaceful, inclusive, and gender-just society.
Furthermore, MenEngage Africa’s Secretariat, Sonke Gender Justice, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom are conducting research on peace and security policies across the African continent. This research is essential to identify the gaps in current policies and to develop effective strategies to address the root causes of conflicts and promote peace and security. This research will help to ensure that peace and security policies are inclusive and take into account the perspectives and experiences of all members of society, including women and girls.
“As we address all the harms as well as the wider contextual issues. We feed into each other’s framework MEA/WILPF and I’m looking forward to the implementation and fruitful cooperation as we seek to advocate for a more inclusive and peaceful continent as citizens”. Sthembile Chunky Gumede, MenEngage Africa Chairperson.
Finally, promoting women’s participation in decision-making and peace processes, addressing militarism, militarized masculinities, and sexual and gender-based violence, and conducting research on peace and security policies are critical steps towards building a peaceful, inclusive, and gender-just society. These steps will help to address the root causes of conflicts and promote lasting peace and security, thereby contributing to a better future for all.
