GNWP Scales up its Localization Workshops on UNSCR 1325 and 1820 in Uganda

Kampala, September 28, 2015 – The Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) is proud to announce the launch of its Localization program on the UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on Women, Peace and Security in Kitgum and Amuria districts in Uganda.  The Localization workshops will take place in Kitgum on September 29 – 30, 2015 and in Amuria on October 1 – 2, 2015. The workshops will be preceded by a ‘mini’ Training of Trainers with GNWP’s civil society members in Kitgum on September 28, 2015, which will serve as a key preparatory activity to the actual Localization workshops.

The Localization in Kitgum and Amuria districts will support the implementation of Uganda’s National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325 and 1820 and the Goma Declaration. It will build on the Localization work that GNWP members have undertaken in Dokolo, Bushenyi and Lira districts in 2012 -2013 wherein Local Action Plans on UNSCR 1325 and 1820 have been adopted.

The Localization of UNSCR 325 and 1820 program is a people-based bottom-up approach to policy making and implementation that emphasizes local ownership and participation. It brings together governors, mayors, district councilors and other local district officials, paramount chiefs and other cultural leaders, village leaders, indigenous leaders, local police and military officials, religious leaders, school teachers, local women leaders and community- based civil society groups to part in integrating women and peace and security commitments in their local development plans. This strategy, which is operational in Burundi, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo Liberia, Nepal, the Philippines, Serbia, Sierra Leone and South Sudan, has facilitated active contribution from local populations that helps to shape relevant outcomes.

The scaling up of the Localization program in Uganda is carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, Coalition for Action on 1325, Kitgum Women’s Peace Initiative, Teso Women Peace Activists and other civil society organizations. It was made possible with support from the Austrian Development Cooperation.