Sudanese women mobilize for peace

Contact: Katie Elbert, United States, 617. 995.1925, [email protected]

Uniting of Sudanese Women in Advance of Peace Agreement Anniversary

November 10, 2006 (KHARTOUM, Sudan) — Women throughout Sudan are crossing party and regional lines to raise their collective voice for a more peaceful and secure Sudan.

As the second anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) approaches, Sudan and its international partners are evaluating progress toward implementing that landmark accord. From November 8 through 12, The Initiative for Inclusive Security will convene some of Sudan’s most distinguished women leaders, including members of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), and civil society leaders. Together, they will create an agenda to ensure that women are fully included in implementing the CPA.

These women leaders will present their agenda and begin advocating for their recommendations at a formal dinner on the evening of November 12 in Khartoum. Their audience will include policy makers from the GNU, the GOSS, the United Nations, the United States government, and other donor countries. (Members of the media are invited to attend, but must RSVP with Katie Elbert, [email protected].)

In Sudan, women comprise 65 percent of the population, and up to 75 percent in areas most affected by the conflict. They are integral to rebuilding, reforming, and revitalizing the life of the country, yet they have been underrepresented in peace building efforts.

Carla Koppell, director of The Initiative for Inclusive Security said, “sustainable peace in Sudan will not be possible without the commitment and contributions of women. We must capitalize on their unique skills and insights for this critical peace agreement to succeed. We hope that by convening this group of influential women in Khartoum, we will amplify their voices and build momentum for peace.”

Following this conference, Inclusive Security will work with participants to continue advocating their forward looking agenda with policymakers in the GNU, GOSS, United Nations Mission in Sudan, World Bank, US government, and other donors.

Six years ago the United Nations Security Council acknowledged that women have a key role in promoting international stability by passing Resolution 1325 (2000). It called on all parties to ensure women’s participation in peace processes, from the prevention of conflict to negotiations and reconstruction. The Security Council reaffirmed the importance of women’s inclusion in Sudanese reconstruction when resolution 1590 established the United Nations Mission in Sudan and specifically mandated “a national inclusive approach, including the role of women, towards reconciliation and peace building.” These resolutions are important steps, but must be enacted.

Inclusive Security has supported Sudanese women peace builders since 1999 through consultations and training in Washington, DC, Boston, Oslo, Nairobi, and Khartoum.

– The Initiative for Inclusive Security, a program of Hunt Alternatives Fund, advocates for the full participation of all stakeholders, especially women, in peace processes. Creating sustainable peace is achieved best by a diverse, citizen-driven approach. Of the many sectors of society currently excluded from peace processes, none is larger—or more critical to success—than women. Since 1999, Inclusive Security has connected more than 450 women experts with over 3,000 policy shapers to collaborate on fresh, workable solutions to long-standing conflicts across the globe. For more information visit www.InclusiveSecurity.org.