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The Women’s Situation Room (WSR) is a women-led early warning and response mechanism to curb violence before, during and after elections in African countries. It advances women’s critical role in conflict prevention and peace building in line with the 2000 landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and SDG16+ on Women, Peace and Security.
The Women’s Situation Room (WSR) was first established by the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security1 (ABIC) in 2011. Since then, it has been replicated in Senegal (2012), Sierra Leone (2012 & 2018), Ghana (2012 & 2021), Kenya (2013), Nigeria (2015), Liberia (2017), and in Uganda (2016 & 2021).
The WSR has been acknowledged as an effective mechanism for promoting peaceful elections by the African Union in 2012 and the United Nations Security Council in 2015, which requested that the WSR be implemented in all African elections.
The WSR mechanism which was initiated by ABIC, is an outcome of the International Women’s Colloquium on Women’s leadership, convened by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and President Tarja Halonen of Finland in Liberia in 2009.
Gender is My Agenda (GIMAC) a gender campaign platform of the African Union, at the AU Summit of 2012, adopted the WSR as a ’Best Practice’ to be replicated in all African elections; and appointed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, to be the Champion of the WSR At its meeting on 15th June 2016, the UN Security Council stated that: “The Security Council welcomes women-led prevention initiatives such as the Women’s Situation Rooms throughout Africa, which have helped to prevent or mitigate the eruption and escalation of violence, inter alia through observing and monitoring, and by engaging stakeholders in constructive dialogue and peace advocacy”.
The early Warnings
The early Warnings
Women and Youth as Agents of Peace in Uganda
Women and Youth as Agents of Peace in Uganda
With hands entwined and spirits bright, They walk the path towards the light. For peace is planted where love is sown,And in unity, its strength is known.
In Uganda, a country rich in cultural diversity yet scarred by a legacy of violence and conflict, the roles of women and youth as agents of peace have gained increaasing recognition. Their contributions are pivotal not only in healing the wounds of past conflicts but also in fostering sustainable peace and development. This article delves into the historical context, the unique roles of women and youth in peacebuilding, collaborative efforts between them, existing challenges, and recommendations for advancing their participation in peace processes.
Historical Context of Conflict in Uganda
Uganda has experienced several significant conflicts, including the civil war in the 1970s and the lengthy insurgency by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) from the late 1980s into the early 2000s. The impact of these conflicts has been profound, resulting in loss of life, widespread displacement, and deep psychological scars, particularly among women and children. As noted by the International Crisis Group, the "widespread human suffering" from these conflicts has led to a societal urge for reconciliation and peace (International Crisis Group, 2012).
The role of women and youth emerged from the ashes of conflict. Historically, women have borne the brunt of violence during wars, experiencing sexual violence, displacement, and loss of family. Youth, on the other hand, often found themselves caught in the crossfire or even recruited as combatants. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, about 1.2 million young people were affected, creating a generation yearning for peace and stability (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2020). These experiences transformed many survivors into committed advocates for peace, fueling grassroots movements and organizations dedicated to rebuilding their communities.
Women in Peacebuilding
Women in Uganda have a unique perspective on peace that stems from their roles as caretakers, nurturers, and community leaders. Their experiences of conflict often position them as essential mediators in post-conflict settings. Women’s organizations, such as the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), advocate for women's inclusion in peace and security processes, emphasizing the essential need for women to participate in decision-making. UWONET's motto, "No Peace Without Women," encapsulates their work in promoting women's voices in peace negotiations and recovery efforts.
Dr. Specioza Wandira-Kasibante, a prominent advocate for women’s rights, remarked, "Peace is not merely the absence of war; it is the presence of justice and equality" (Kasibante, 2015). Women’s participation in peace processes enriches dialogues, introduces considerations for gender-specific impacts, and ensures a more holistic approach to peacebuilding.
Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once stated, "There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women." This rings true in Uganda, where empowered women have spearheaded reconciliation initiatives and led grassroots campaigns for peaceful coexistence.
Like the sun after a heavy storm, Women rise with warmth to transform. Their voices whisper peace like the wind in trees, Bringing harmony on a gentle breeze.
A key example of women's contributions to peace is their involvement in the peace negotiations that led to the cessation of hostilities in Northern Uganda in 2006. Women advocates highlighted issues such as the need for disarmament, community reintegration, and support for victims of sexual violence. Their influence was crucial in shaping comprehensive peace agreements that addressed the specific needs of women and girls.
Moreover, in rural areas, women often take the lead in community peacebuilding initiatives. They engage in activities such as truth-telling forums, where survivors of conflict can share their stories. These platforms create understanding and promote reconciliation, allowing communities to heal collectively.
Youth as Catalysts for Change
The youth demographic in Uganda is vibrant and dynamic, representing nearly 78% of the total population below 30 years (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2020). This age group is recognized not just as passive recipients of peace but as pivotal contributors. Youth-led organizations such as the Youth for Peace Initiative focus on empowering young people as active participants in the peace process.
Young leaders like Akankwasa John emphasize the importance of youth engagement: "We must harness our creativity and energy to foster dialogue and understanding. Our generation can be the bridge to a more peaceful future" (John, 2021). Youth leverage technology and social media to raise awareness about peace issues, mobilize communities, and advocate for change on platforms that resonate with their peers.
Nelson Mandela once said, "The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow." This sentiment resonates deeply with Ugandan youth who, despite facing numerous challenges, remain determined to shape a more peaceful future.
Like the river flowing strong and free, the youth bring change, as swift as the sea. with voices loud and dreams so high, they weave the fabric of peace in the sky.
One significant branch of youth participation has been the promotion of art, culture, and sports as tools for peace. Initiatives like the "Youth Peace Concerts" have aimed to draw young people from diverse backgrounds together through music, dance, and shared experiences. These events showcase the power of cultural expression in fostering dialogue and building relationships among communities divided by conflict.
Additionally, young people often become advocates for accountability and justice in cases of human rights violations. Their activism has been crucial in pressing for governmental and institutional reforms necessary for sustainable peace.
Collaborative Efforts between Women and Youth
The intersectionality of women’s and youth’s roles in peacebuilding presents a unique opportunity for synergy. Recognizing their shared traumas and goals, various programs and initiatives seek to unite women and youth as they work towards peace and reconciliation.
One notable example is the "Women’s Voices on Peace and Security Project," which facilitates dialogue between older and younger women. These meetings enable the transfer of knowledge, experiences, and strategies for peacebuilding across generations. Similarly, youth and women collaborate on civic engagement programs that promote peaceful electoral participation, voter education, and conflict resolution training.
Challenges and Barriers
Despite their crucial roles in peace-building, women and youth face numerous challenges:
- Political and Social Marginalisation: Women and youth are often excluded from formal decision-making spaces, limiting their influence on national peace policies.
- Limited Resources: Grassroots peace initiatives struggle with inadequate funding and support.
- Cultural Barriers: Traditional gender norms and societal expectations can restrict women’s and youth’s participation in peace processes.
- Security Concerns: Activists advocating for peace and justice sometimes face threats, harassment, or violence.
Conclusion
Women and youth in Uganda are more than just victims of conflict; they are active architects of peace. Their involvement in peace processes is essential for achieving long-term stability and reconciliation. By overcoming barriers, fostering collaboration, and ensuring their voices are heard, Uganda can harness their potential to build a more peaceful and inclusive society.
As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." This message serves as a call to action for Ugandan women and youth to continue their fight for peace and justice.
With hands entwined and spirits bright, They walk the path towards the light.For peace is planted where love is sown, And in unity, its strength is known.
Community
Community
Stakeholders engagements
Breaking Barriers, Building Peace: The Women’s Situation Room Success Story in Uganda
For decades, Uganda’s elections have been tainted by fear, tension, and outbreaks of violence. Women and youth, often the most affected by electoral conflicts, remained sidelined, their voices drowned out in a process that was meant to represent them. But in 2016 and 2021, something extraordinary happened—The Women’s Situation Room (WSR) turned the tide, transforming Uganda’s elections into a platform for peace rather than violence.
A women-led early warning and rapid response mechanism, WSR was designed to curb violence before, during, and after elections by actively engaging women, youth, and key stakeholders in conflict prevention and mediation. With the support of 11 Ugandan Eminent Women, a Steering Committee of 15 women’s rights organizations, and thousands of trained peace advocates, WSR made history by ensuring that Uganda’s elections were more peaceful, transparent, and inclusive than ever before.
A Movement Rooted in Community and Leadership
At the heart of WSR’s success was its ability to mobilize and empower communities to take ownership of peace. The initiative trained 1,448 women, 1,459 youth, and 1,431 election peace monitors, creating a robust grassroots network of individuals who worked tirelessly to prevent violence and de-escalate tensions before they could spiral out of control.
Through multi-media peace campaigns, intergenerational dialogues, and targeted voter education, WSR reached thousands of Ugandans, spreading messages of peace and unity. Radio broadcasts, television discussions, and social media advocacy ensured that even the most remote communities were engaged in the call for non-violent elections.
"Before WSR, elections were a time of fear, We saw people being threatened, intimidated, and manipulated. But WSR gave us the tools to stand up and say no. We became the bridge between the community and security forces, ensuring that disputes were handled peacefully rather than through violence." recalls Grace Nakyobe, a youth peace advocate from Gulu
The Eminent Women: Guardians of Democracy
A pivotal feature of WSR was the role of The Eminent Women, a team of highly respected Ugandan and African women leaders who acted as neutral mediators during the electoral process. Their presence in the electoral space helped to defuse tensions, hold political actors accountable, and offer real-time intervention in crisis situations.
These women worked closely with security forces, election monitors, political leaders, and civil society to ensure that disputes were addressed through dialogue rather than aggression. In cases of electoral malpractice, The Eminent Women engaged the Electoral Commission and security agencies to prevent further escalation.
"When communities saw us, they knew that someone was listening," says Hon. Miria Matembe, one of the Ugandan Eminent Women. "They knew that their grievances wouldn’t be ignored and that justice would be pursued without resorting to violence."
24-Hour Intervention: How WSR's Physical Rooms Changed the Game
To effectively respond to electoral incidents in real time, WSR established four physical situation rooms in Kampala, Gulu, Soroti, and Mbarara. These served as:
✅ Coordination centers for election observers and peace advocates
✅ Information hubs for conflict monitoring and reporting
✅ Rapid response units for addressing election-related disputes
With a 24-hour call center and intervention desks, WSR handled over 2,128 election-related incidents, resolving 71% of them in real time.
"We received calls about voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and even security threats," says Sarah Namutebi, a call center volunteer in Kampala. "Each case was documented and escalated to the right authorities. People finally had a trusted platform to report electoral injustices without fear."
The youth peace advocates and election monitors played a crucial role in this rapid response system. Their ability to gather real-time data, report incidents, and mediate local disputes ensured that tensions were addressed before they could ignite violence.
Impact and Recognition: Changing the Narrative of Elections in Uganda
The impact of WSR was undeniable. For the first time, Uganda witnessed:
✅ A significant reduction in election-related violence in identified hotspot districts
✅ Increased participation of women and youth in peacebuilding efforts
✅ Greater public confidence in the electoral process
✅ A model for peaceful elections recognized across Africa
The African Union and the United Nations Security Council hailed WSR as a best practice in election conflict prevention, urging its replication across the continent.
"The Women’s Situation Room is proof that when women lead, peace prevails," remarked . "Uganda’s success story should be a blueprint for other nations seeking to hold credible, violence-free elections."
WSR’s success didn’t just impact the 2016 and 2021 elections—it set the stage for long-term peacebuilding efforts. Under the 2021-2026 Post-Elections Strategy, the initiative continues to:
🔹 Train new generations of peace advocates
🔹 Strengthen trust in the electoral process and security agencies
🔹 Foster reconciliation and post-election healing
A Legacy of Peace: The Future of WSR in Uganda
Despite challenges, WSR has proven that peaceful elections are possible when communities are engaged, leadership is inclusive, and conflict prevention is prioritized.
"this is not only preventing violence; its also changing mindsets," says Eunice Banyima, a women’s Peace Mediator from Kasese. "For too long, elections meant fear. Now, they mean hope." She added
Uganda’s journey toward electoral peace is far from over, but one thing is certain: the power of women, youth, and grassroots leadership will continue to shape the future of democracy in the country.
The Women’s Situation Room is not just an initiative—it is a movement. And its message is clear:
When communities take ownership of peace, democracy thrives.
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In the above TOC diagram investments at the input level will foster the development of necessary social human capital (outputs) that will yield the essential transformation (intermediate results). Therefore if political actors commit to and promote a non-violent electoral process to ensure peace; if national, regional and local level stakeholders undertake initiatives to identify, mediate and resolve electoral related violence; and if communities capacities are strengthened to embrace peace, diversity and transcend divisive politics of identity and be resilient to participation in violence, then civil society and state- actors will leverage non-violent approaches to engage in the electoral processes thus fostering social cohesion and peace. This TOC is underpinned by many assumptions which will be tested during activity implementation and evaluation.
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