Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a necessary foundation for sustainable peace and security. In conflict-affected regions around the world, women often bear the brunt of violence and displacement, yet they are frequently excluded from decision-making processes that shape peacebuilding initiatives. Research shows that societies with greater gender equality are more peaceful, resilient, and prosperous. Therefore, integrating gender equality, women’s empowerment, and positive masculinity into peacebuilding efforts is a realistic approach to building more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful societies.
The key lessons learned from such training programs underscore the importance of centring women’s voices, rights, and leadership in efforts to build peaceful and just societies. By embracing these lessons and integrating them into practice, l can now contribute to transformative change and sustainable peace that benefits all members of my community.
Tendai Kunyelesa’s Experience at the #MATI2024
The MATI training provided Tendai with an understanding on key concepts of conflict and peacebuilding from a feminist perspective. It was also an opportunity to enhance her ability to mainstream gender her community projects.
“The MATI 2024 training empowered me with awareness of gender dynamics in conflict situations and pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable peacebuilding efforts that address the needs and rights of all members of society through region-based group work where l was able to also share my experience and expertise. Women, peace, and security training focused on building the capacity of individuals like me to advocate for gender-responsive policies and practice within my organisation, communities, and governments.” Tendai said.
This training raised awareness about some of declarations related to gender and peace building and build professional relationships. “I was capacitated to come up with both regional and national plans to be implemented after the training which was successfully done through participating in group work discussions and l gained an increased understanding on key concepts of conflicts and peace which was shown during group work as l networked and exchanged professional growth ideas with fellow MATI 2024 training participants.”
MATI 2024 was also coupled with initiatives to promote positive masculinity and offer a transformative pathway towards challenging harmful gender norms, breaking down barriers to women’s participation, and fostering a culture of equality and dignity for all.
Promoting positive masculinity is not about diminishing men’s roles but rather expanding their roles to champion gender equality, challenge discrimination, and actively support women’s empowerment. It is an essential component of creating a culture of mutual respect and partnership that is conducive to sustainable peace and development.
Key Lessons from Women, Peace, and Security Training
- Importance of Gender Perspectives: Women, peace, and security training emphasised the critical need to integrate gender perspectives into all aspects of conflict analysis, prevention, resolution, and post-conflict reconstruction.
- Understanding the gendered impact of conflict allows for more comprehensive and effective responses that address the specific needs and experiences of women, men, girls, and boys. Integrating gender equality, women’s empowerment, and positive masculinity into peacebuilding efforts is not only a moral imperative but also a pragmatic approach to building more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful societies.
- Training programs on women, peace, and security coupled with initiatives to promote positive masculinity (MATI) offer a transformative pathway towards challenging harmful gender norms, breaking down barriers to women’s participation, and fostering a culture of equality and dignity for all.
- MATI training program stress the importance of monitoring and evaluating the impact of gender-sensitive interventions like the UNSCR1325 and the Kinshasa declaration.
Tendai’s Work in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, integrating women, peace, and security principles with positive masculinity approaches has shown promising results in conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives. Here are two real-life examples that illustrate this impact: Women’s Participation in the National Peace and Reconciliation Process- In Zimbabwe, women have been actively involved in the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) to address past conflicts and promote reconciliation. By integrating women’s voices, experiences, and perspectives into the peacebuilding process, the NPRC has been able to develop more comprehensive and inclusive approaches to healing and justice. At the same time, positive masculinity approaches have engaged men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms and stereotypes that perpetuate violence and discrimination. By promoting values of respect, empathy, and non-violence, these initiatives have contributed to building a culture of peace and reconciliation in Zimbabwe.
In rural communities in Zimbabwe, grassroots organisations have implemented projects that combine women, peace, and security principles with positive masculinity approaches to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality. By providing training on conflict resolution, communication skills, and gender awareness to both women and men, these initiatives have empowered community members to address underlying causes of GBV and promote healthier relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Through value clarification dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy, these projects have helped reduce instances of violence and fostered a more peaceful and equitable environment within local communities.
Value clarification dialogue in Chivi Zimbabwe
Tendai believes that everyone has a role to play in fostering peaceful communities and as well, engaging men and boys in including women in peace processes and positive masculinities. “I call upon all readers of this article to not wait for change to happen rather, act! Whether it’s signing petitions, launch campaigns to track progress on the implementation of the resolution and declarations which speaks to gender equality or supporting local initiatives, every small step towards gender equality and positive masculinity makes a difference.” she said.
By Tendai Kunyelesa, MATI 2024 Fellow.