Call for Participants:
Exchange and Dialogue Initiative on the Role of Networks in Supporting Women Mediators in the Horn of Africa
The Agency for Peacebuilding (AP) is looking for participants to join an Exchange and Dialogue Initiative on the role of networks in supporting women mediators in the Horn of Africa. This invitation is directed to women mediators and peacebuilders from the region who are interested in taking part in a process to identify critical gaps and to map ways forward to increase women participation in mediation specifically and on peace and security more generally.
Background
The Agency for Peacebuilding (AP) is a think-and-do organisation committed to bridging the gap between research and practice in peacebuilding. AP aims to contribute to more peaceful and just societies by preventing and transforming violent conflict and creating spaces for dialogue and cooperation across sectors and divides. AP has recently launched a project entitled “Towards a Regional Network of Women Mediators in the Horn of Africa”, whose main goal is to contribute to strengthening the participation of women to processes related to peace and security in the Horn of Africa, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
The project’s specific objectives are:
- To identify opportunities and barriers for the creation of a regional network of women mediators in the Horn of Africa
- To create networking opportunities for women mediators from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan
- To strengthen bilateral and multilateral dialogue on peace and security
The project is being implemented with the support of Muslims Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP), and it is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and it is part of Italy’s commitments under its fourth National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
Initiative goal
The Exchange and Dialogue Initiative is a key activity under the project. Its main aim is to generate insights that will shape how AP’s networking efforts in the Horn of Africa region will be structured in the future. We know, in fact, that many efforts have already been launched to strengthen women’s participation in peace and security processes (including on mediation specifically), but challenges and gaps endure. As a tool, regional networks have the potential to address these challenges and gaps, but they have to make sense to those women engaged in peacebuilding. Ideally, they must be designed based on the insights, perspective and concerns of these women. This is what we want to do by bringing together a group of experienced women mediators and peacebuilders.
Initiative format
The Exchange and Dialogue Initiative has been designed to be an interactive and participatory experience. We aim to create a safe space where participants can come together – online and in-presence – and share their experiences, perspectives and concerns in relation to how to strengthen networking efforts in the Horn of Africa region.
The Initiative will include 4 moments of exchange: 3 will be online and 1 in presence.
The 3 online meetings will last 75 minutes each and represent opportunities for selected participants to meet each other and interact in a facilitated setting. Each meeting will focus on a specific topic and feature the participation of an international expert on mediation and peacebuilding. The expert will present on the issues, and a facilitated discussion will follow.
The in-presence event will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, and represent an opportunity for participants to come together with other experts and stakeholders and to go into more in-depth discussions about what a regional network of women mediators should and could look like.
Duration and required commitment
The Exchange and Dialogue Initiative will last six weeks, starting on January 13, 2025, and ending on February 28, 2025. Selected participants are expected to commit to take part in the 3 online meetings, which will last 75 minutes each and take place weekly of bi-weekly. Selected participants are also expected to be available in joining the in-person meeting in Nairobi some time in the first quarter of 2025.
AP will not provide stipend to selected participants. However, all travel and accommodation costs for the in-presence meeting will be covered, and a per diem provided to all those who will join the event in Nairobi Kenya.
Selection criteria
People interested in submitting an application to take part in the Exchange and Dialogue Initiative must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Be a woman from a country in the Horn of Africa, with priority for people coming from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia (including Somaliland), South Sudan and Sudan;
- Have 5 or more years of professional experience in peacebuilding, conflict prevention or resolution, and/ or mediation specifically. Experience can be with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations or national organizations.
- Experience can come from working with CSOs or also with governments;
- Have in-depth practical knowledge of conflict resolution, governance, human rights, gender-based violence, and/ or social cohesion;
- Have in-depth understanding of cultural, social, and political dynamics in their country;
- Have a track record as a leader and a respected figure within her organization or community, capable of mobilizing and influencing stakeholders;
- Have proven advocacy skills;
- Have linkages to other networks on peacebuilding or empowerment locally, nationally or internationally;
- Be interested in networking and continued learning;
- Share values of integrity, inclusivity and dialogue;
- Be able to connect and work online;
- Be able to work and engage others in English
How to apply
All those interested in applying should submit their application through this LINK
Applicants should answer all questions and upload a CV.
All applications should be submitted by December 27, 2024.
Inquiries can be addressed to info@peaceagency.org.
