Training workshop for women in peace mediation and (…) – Gabonews

2024-01-27 18:57:55

Training workshop for women in peace mediation and conflict management

January 27, 2024

Peace and security are two highly sought after commodities in many countries around the world. In Central Africa, particularly in Gabon, everything is done to consolidate and promote living together. Which also allowed the Gabon Groupe R 1325 platform and the NGO Malachie to initiate, with the support of the United Nations Office for Central Africa (Unoca), the second capacity building session of women leaders in Mediation and Conflict Management techniques. It was this Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Unoca premises. The main trainers of this session were Joannie Mahinou and Akazong Hermina Ep. Sabikanda, both trained lawyers and Peace Mediators.

The second capacity building session for women leaders in Mediation and Conflict Management techniques brought together around thirty participants who took an active part in this meeting of giving and receiving. “Peace mediation and conflict resolution” was the theme addressed. For the trainers interviewed on this subject, ” the main objective was to give women tools in mediation, prevention and conflict resolution and to make them mediators of Peace“.

This workshop, which saw the participation of thirty (30) women from civil society, politicians from all sides and parliamentarians, had three objectives, namely:

–Define together the notions of conflicts, mediation, peace, prevention, conflict management, etc.

-Appropriate conflict resolution tools;

-Carry out practical exercises and share good practices.

The Honorable Pepecy Ogouliguéndé, moreover, President of the NGO Malachie, wanted to recall that the project to strengthen the capacities of Gabonese women in mediation is an initiative of the Gabon Groupe R1325 associative platform, of which the NGO Malachie is a member. Specializing in Peace and Security issues, it works to strengthen the capacities of women. “Thus, this second training session consisted of equipping and strengthening the capacities of women association leaders and all other women, in Mediation and Peaceful Conflict Management. It is part of the implementation of Gabon’s National Peace Action Plan (2020-2023) and resolution 1325, Women Peace and Security of the United Nations Security Council” she explains.

The objective, she continued, was to capitalize on the efforts made by public authorities, civil society organizations and international organizations for the consolidation of Peace in Gabon.

Also, it should be remembered that Gabon has begun a phase of political Transition, with the inauguration of Brigadier General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, as President of the Transition, Head of State on September 4, 2023. These events have aroused great hope among Gabonese men and women who love Freedom, Change, peace and justice. All the active forces of the Nation expect a period of stable, inclusive, balanced and peaceful political transition.

Knowing that peace is an essential element in the development of States and that it is necessary to preserve it and work to consolidate it, also knowing that it is proven that women play a capital role in peace processes. And because they are by nature builders and weavers of peace, the women offered some recommendations.

The following recommendations were the most recurrent:

1. Cultivate positive peace;

2. Integrate the National Network of Women Peace Mediators in Gabon;

3. Actively participate in the inclusive national dialogue of April 2024;

4. Have the support of technical and financial partners for the implementation of the action plan of the National Network of Women Peace Mediators;

5. Be relays to other women across Gabon through awareness-raising and training;

6. Create a network of organizations;

7. Advocate for the reestablishment of the Ministry in charge of Gabonese Women;

8.Get involved and invest in politics;

9. Make women’s voices heard in decision-making bodies;

10. Popularize the National Action Plan for Peace of Gabon 2020-2023 and Contribute to the development of a second generation action plan for Peace.

Participants who took an active part in this meeting received their certificates of participation. They did not fail to express their satisfaction with the exchanges. The next step is the establishment of the National Network of Women Peace Mediators in Gabon scheduled for Friday February 9, 2024.

MT/JB