Making 1325 Count At Grassroots Level Through The Localization Strategy

Rural Women Peace Link implemented this program from November 2016 with support from the Embassy of Finland – Nairobi. The program was implemented in Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, and West Pokot counties.
The UN Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325) reaffirms the imperative role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. The resolution calls on all actors to increase women’s participation in peace processes and decision-making at all levels, take special measures to ensure the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence in all its forms, and ensure that women’s inclusion is valued and their contributions are appreciated in peace and conflict management processes. The resolution is essential for leveraging strategic actions for equitable and sustainable interventions in peacebuilding processes through the involvement of women and girls.
On 8th March 2016, Kenya launched its national action plan on UN resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (KNAP). With the theme, “Kuhusisha Wanawake ni Kudumisha Amani” (to involve women is to sustain peace) the national action plan provides a clear road map for women’s leadership not only in peacebuilding and conflict management but in all spheres of Kenyan society. The KNAP is anchored in the constitutional values of gender equality, inclusion, and participation, and builds on existing policies in the fields of security, development, and diplomacy.
The goal of the project was to promote local ownership, participation, and engagement of women in decision-making platforms and in the implementation of the Kenya National Action Plan (KNAP). The objectives of the project were to enhance the knowledge and capacity of county steering committees on UNSCR 1325 and the KNAP, to strengthen public knowledge on UNSCR 1325 and the KNAP through media engagement, to enhance participation and engagement of women, men, and youth in peace-building and GBV prevention and response at the county level, and to integrate KNAP into County Integrated Development Plans and budgets in 3 counties in Kenya.
This project was anchored on SDG 5 – achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and SDG 16 – promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The project was also anchored on the current Kenyan Constitution – Bill of Rights that gives women a lot of leverage but which must be closely monitored to ensure the actualization of the gains to the benefit of women; The Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act 2011, Sexual Offences Act 2006, National Gender and Equality Act (2011) among others.