Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace

In response to escalating violent activities perpetrated by extremist groups in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad, the Catholic Church is spearheading the Sahel Peace Initiative. This multi-country effort aims to raise awareness about conflicts in the Sahelian region of West Africa and advocate for positive change. A key focus of the initiative is to engage and mobilize women to play a direct role in peace processes and social cohesion, ultimately preventing violent extremism.

Yendi and its neighboring civil administrations grapple with persistent conflicts, terrorism threats, and deeply rooted traditional practices such as witchcraft, early and forced child marriages. Unfortunately, the majority of those affected by these challenges are women and girls.

To address these issues, the Yendi Peace Centre (YPC) collaborated with the Center for Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies (CECOTAPS) in Damongo to organize a three-day workshop for women groups in the municipality. The event, held at the St Martin's Pastoral Centre in Sunson from March 22nd to 24th, 2023, aimed to empower women and enhance their involvement in promoting peace and preventing violent extremism.

Under the theme "Gender and Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE)," Most Reverend Vincent Sowah Boi-Nai, Catholic Bishop of Yendi and Patron of the Centre, addressed the participants. He urged women not to hesitate in reporting incidents to the police and other security services for immediate intervention. Recognizing the importance of peace for development, he emphasized the need for sustained efforts.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Kofi Sukpen, Acting Director of the Centre, highlighted the significant role women play in combating poverty and illiteracy. Sustaining peace in the region, he noted, would boost investor confidence in Yendi, potentially leading to job creation for the youth.

Over one hundred women from various groups in Yendi participated in the workshop. They emphasized that the peaceful celebration of the Fire festival served as a tangible indication that peace is crucial for development.

Through the collaborative efforts of Yendi Peace Centre and the Sahel Peace Initiative, the workshop in Yendi , signifies a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by violent extremism. By empowering women and fostering social cohesion, these initiatives contribute to building sustainable peace and fostering development in the Sahelian region.