The UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), with support from the Government of Canada, collaborated with the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) Gender Affairs Department to conduct a regional training workshop on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda from 26-28 April 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya.

This was the second in a series of training workshops IGAD is holding to enhance the capacity of its staff, as well as representatives of other relevant organs, including the IGAD roster of technical experts for mediation, to advocate for and promote the WPS Agenda in the region. 

Over 25 participants received practical training on gender-sensitive conflict analysis and peacebuilding; gender and mediation; UNSCR 1325 and other subsequent resolutions; and implementation of the African Union Continental Results Framework and IGAD Regional Action Plan. The participants are hoped to become ambassadors in championing the WPS Agenda and the rollout and implementation of the African Union Continental Results Framework on WPS in the IGAD region. 

Key participants included: Dr. Fatuma Adan, Head of Mission, IGAD Kenya (who officially opened the event); Odette Kabaya, Regional Programme Advisor and Team Leader of Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE), UNDP RSCA; Tsitsi Fungurani, Senior Development Officer of the Government of Canada; and Amina M. Farah, Head of the Gender Affairs Department of IGAD.

“Let us lean on each other and make the most of this training by keeping in mind what it is for and in all our capacity, engage and include women from all walks of life into the building and upholding of peace in our region.” -- Amina M. Farah, Gender Affairs, IGAD Secretariat

“The Women, Peace and Security Agenda is crucial in realizing the goals and aspirations set in AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Agenda 2030, as well as the AU flagship initiative on Silencing the Guns in Africa.” -- Odette Kabaya, Regional Programme Advisor and Team Leader, Gender, UNDP RSCA

“UNSCR 1325 is the result of hard work by women’s groups and local, national, regional and global organizations at all levels. Frameworks of resolutions and accompanying documents, including National Action Plans, have since bloomed out of continuous efforts. I call upon us all to honour the women and men, including our sisters and brothers in this room, for the tireless efforts they have made and are making to push for justice and inclusivity in peace and security initiatives.” -- Dr. Fatuma Adan, Head of Mission, IGAD Kenya