BY BETELHEM BEDLU
It is evident that women and children have been known to be harshly affected during armed conflicts. More often than not, they are highly vulnerable to killings, sexual violence which often leads to sexually transmitted disease as well as unwanted pregnancies, as well as exposed to stigma, among others.
Leaving aside the double duties and responsibilities they take on in conflict situations to protect and support their families, women and children also suffer the greatest even after the conflict ends as they are more likely to be left widowed and orphaned. In an interview with Gender Governance Kenya, Veteran Editor at the African Woman and Child Feature Service, Jane Godia, said: “while women remain a minority of combatants and perpetrators of war, they increasingly suffer the greatest harm.”
Bearing in mind the significant role that women could play in curbing the effects of conflicts, not only for themselves, but their families and communities at large, Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) organized national women peace conference movement in Adama recently.
Curbing the vulnerability of women to conflict related challenges as well as enhancing their role in peace building process in the country was said to be the major aim of the movement.
In her key note speech, Alemitu Umut, State Minister of Women and Children Affairs within MoWSA stressed that realizing development is unthinkable unless peace is ensured. Thus, she said everyone must condemn any act that hinders peace process especially women need to take the leading role in ensuring peace.
Underlining the deep impact of instability on various sectors, as well as considering the fact that women, children, elderly as well as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) negatively affected, she stated that, women need to strengthen their effort with regard to maintaining peace.
Apart from discharging responsibility in their household, women need to engage in promoting and applying the long standing conflict resolution values of the nation. Hence, she emphasized her Office’s readiness to work in tandem with those who strive to ensure peace in the country.
During the discussion, papers that focused on capitalizing peace building process were presented. At the event, a discussion was also held regarding the need to actively incorporate women on peace building efforts, conflict resolution as well as acknowledge their efforts.
Following the national peace conference, a plan is set to mobilize and organize similar events at federal and various levels. Moreover, an environment where it allows women to further plan and implement peace process activities would be created, it was learned.
It is essential that women begin to play a significant role in curbing the effects of violence, To a great extent, they need to be actively included and involved in the formal aspects of the peace process so that they can stand up for their rights and advocate for peace at a national level, as depicted on Peace Insight. The inter-linkages between women’s development, peace, security and human rights cannot be denied, it said.
The Ethiopian Herald January 12/2023
