Inclusive Security’s Sudan team holds consultation for Darfurian women

October 10, 2007 (WASHINGTON) — Members of The Initiative for Inclusive Security returned from Khartoum, Sudan where they held a consultation with Darfurian women leaders in preparation for upcoming peace negotiations in Libya.

Inclusive Security’s Darfur consultation was part of a broader effort to strengthen Sudanese women’s leadership in peace building. While in Sudan, Inclusive Security staff convened more than 60 women to discuss concrete ways to consolidate the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and facilitated strategic planning sessions with the women’s cross-party parliamentary caucus.

“Having both lived on the frontlines of the conflict and borne the brunt of the fighting, these women know firsthand what must be done to secure peace and rebuild their country,” said Carla Koppell, Inclusive Security director.

More than 25 influential Darfurian women leaders representing all three states, various political parties, civil society, displaced communities, and government ministries crossed conflict lines in preparation for the recently announced peace negotiations. The women articulated a platform of common priorities for the talks and models for women’s inclusion.

The Initiative for Inclusive Security 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.

Aisha Sebeira, peace and development office coordinator, Community Development Association, said, “To build sustainable peace in Darfur, all stakeholders, including women, must be involved in the negotiations. During this consultation, we worked together as women representing many different backgrounds, to develop common priorities and strategies for ensuring women have a voice in the negotiations.”

Priorities include: obtaining a ceasefire among warring groups and other measure to establish security across Darfur; improving the social, humanitarian and economic situation of persons affected by conflict, particularly refugees and the displaced; and ensuring that women’s perspectives are fully reflected in the negotiation and implementation of a peace agreement.

“There is a critical need for women’s involvement in the forthcoming talks and Inclusive Security can help make that happen,” said Koppell. “Experience shows us that there cannot be peace if 50 percent of the population is not represented at the peace table. This consultation was a critical first step. The international community must continue to press for the inclusion of women in the peace process.”

(ST)

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