Strengthening the Role of women in Peace Building

Somali women utilize their unique traditional role of peacemaking because their linkages to both the clan of their birth and the clan of their marriage enable them to cross clan lines better than men. Their cross-cutting clan identity and broader clan affiliation have enabled Somali women to play crucial roles in promoting reconciliation. There are many cases where local women using their influence across clan lines were able to encourage warring groups to stop fighting and engage in dialogue for peace.

Baay and Bakool are two important regions situated in south-west of Mogadishu which host a large number of active women organizations (Umbrellas, Networks and NGOs) which are heavily involved in peace building and other developmental activities. Although these regions are severely affected areas by the prolonged conflicts, its security situation had fairly improved since the relocation of TFG to Baidoa city. Local women have taken vital role in all local peace building initiatives through community empowerment through peace awareness raising and training women in peacemaking / building. Among the latest successful peace initiatives that local women played noticeable role are the reconciliation of Iidale and Labaatan-Jirow clan conflicts.

Recognising the crucial role that women should play in promoting peace and reconciliation, the Centre for Research and Dialogue (CRD) had provided specific assistance to various women organisations/groups through technical supports, consultations and trainings in organisational development skills, peace building, conflict management and mediation techniques during the first phase of Dialogue for Peace (DfP) program 2004-2006. Utilizing the experiences gained from the first phase of Dialogue for Peace, supporting the newly established Baay administrations and the ongoing one of Bakool to work effectively . CRD recognised the need to continue and ensure the wider engagement of women in the 2 nd phase of DFP strength their roles, encourage and mobilize them to effectively participate in peace building and state building through PAR approach. In addition CRD, considered the crucial role of women in supporting the newly established administrations where possible and the ongoing one of Bakool to work effectively in this transitional period .

In regard with this, CRD had conducted two days Workshop on “ Strengthening Role of Women in Peace Building” in Baidoa for 43 women representing active local NGOs, Networks and organized women groups mainly involved in peace building and human rights from Baay & Bakool Regions. The workshop aimed t o enhance women's knowledge in peace building, to introduce them the importance of networking and encourage them to collaborate and develop linkages among them. The workshop included consultation and assessment section in which organizational achievements, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities; strategies for better achievements were deeply studied.