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Women in Peacebuilding

A Kenyan woman drapes herself with a USAID peace banner while she stands under the shade of a tree.
Women played a powerful role in keeping the peace in the run up to the 2013 general elections in Kenya.
USAID Kenya

Women and girls in Kenya are disproportionately affected by conflict. When violence erupted after the 2007 general elections, they became targets of sexual and physical violence. Despite the gender dimensions of conflict, women in Kenya are excluded from the peace-building process. They have unique perspectives and needs, especially in relation to land and natural resource-based conflicts. Since they are not offered a place at the table, their full peace-building potential is yet to be realized. 

Kenya is a priority country in the United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.  The Plan advances women’s participation in making and keeping peace. In line with these goals, USAID is working with the Government of Kenya to galvanize national commitments and actions that:

  • Strengthen women’s participation and protection in the peace-building process;
  • Promote women’s roles in conflict prevention; and
  • Address the distinct needs of women during and after conflict.

USAID supports the many roles women play as peace-builders.  In 2013, over 2.3 million women took part in peace-building and reconciliation events.  Women built bridges across ethnic lines; acted as mediators to foster compromise; and helped other women cope with trauma.  Overall, their contribution was critical to a peaceful 2013 election season.

Today, Kenya is in the midst of transitioning to a new system of governance.  Devolution, or the shifting of certain powers and resources from the national to the county level, creates opportunities for women in leadership.  USAID will help women creatively use this space and establish themselves as full and equal partners in the promotion of a peaceful society. Our activities are:

  • Promoting the participation of women in peace committees nationwide;
  • Equipping women leaders with practical skills and tools to design, implement and influence peace-building processes;
  • Helping communities better understand how women are harmed by conflict; and
  • Ensuring women’s needs are considered in peace and reconciliation processes.

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

Economic Growth

Education

Gender-based Violence

Women’s Leadership