Implementation through Localization

Full-Cycle Implementation of Women, Peace and Security

Implementation through Localization

At GNWP, we believe that real change happens at the local level – and this is where sustainable and inclusive peacebuilding has to start! This is why we created and pioneered our Localization of UNSCR 1325 methodology – which, to date, was implemented by us in over 20 countries, and replicated by others in many more!

GNWP’s Localization strategy is an innovative, bottom-up approach to the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and its supporting resolutions, pioneered by GNWP, and cited by the UN Secretary-General in his reports to the Security Council as a best practice for 9 years in a row. It convenes governors, mayors, councillors, community leaders, paramount chiefs, indigenous and traditional leaders, religious leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, teachers, the security sector and all other key local actors, to jointly analyze the peace and security situation in their local area. Based on this analysis, the local leaders and authorities work together with local women and other marginalized groups to identify concrete actions needed to build gender-equal and sustainable peace in their community, and formulate local action plans (LAPs), local legislation, or add provisions to their existing community development plans to make sure these actions are accomplished. The formulation of local policies and legislation by local actors strengthens ownership, ensures institutionalization of WPS commitments, enhances accountability, and leads to more effective and sustainable implementation. In other words, it helps ensure that local governance is gender-responsive and conflict-sensitive, and that the WPS resolutions are translated into concrete actions.

At the same time, because Localization of UNSCR 1325 is a bottom-up and people-based strategy, it ensures that the implementation of WPS is context-specific and addresses the real needs of women on the ground. This leads to tangible results.

In Colombia and the Philippines, GNWP has applied its Localization strategy to ensure the implementation of the peace agreements learn more here.

Localization put to action! Testimonies from Georgia, Uganda & the Philippines

From Global to Local: Countries where GNWP’s Localization strategy has been implemented

GNWP has implemented Localization in over 20 countries including, Armenia, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Colombia, DRC, Georgia, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Moldova, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, Serbia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ukraine.

GNWP’s Localization of Women, Peace and Security…

Sharing lessons learned: Localization Toolkit

In 2018, the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, funded by UN Women, published a toolkit on the best practices for Localization of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security.

Read more on the toolkit here.