MOMBASA, Kenya—A new initiative aimed at increasing women’s participation in peacebuilding and security decision-making has been launched in Mombasa, targeting the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale.
Dubbed IMARISHA, the three-year programme is being implemented by the Kenya Community Support Centre (KECOSCE) with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in Kenya through the Act, Change, Transform (ACT!) programme.
The initiative seeks to advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda by strengthening women’s leadership in community peace structures, mediation processes and policy discussions at both county and grassroots levels.
Women’s efforts
The launch comes against a backdrop of growing recognition that women remain underrepresented in peace and security structures despite playing critical roles in conflict prevention, community cohesion and social stability.
According to data cited by the programme, women account for slightly more than half of the nearly four million residents living across Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties. However, cultural barriers, limited access to leadership opportunities and inadequate representation in decision-making processes continue to hinder their participation in peace and security matters.
Speaking during the launch, KECOSCE Executive Director Phyllis Muema said the initiative seeks to ensure women and young people become active contributors to peacebuilding efforts rather than passive beneficiaries.
“Women and youth are not just beneficiaries of peace, they are its architects. IMARISHA seeks to ensure their voices help shape decisions that affect their communities,” she said.
Under the programme, community peace structures will be strengthened to accommodate greater participation by women and youth, while mediation networks will be established to connect experienced peace actors with emerging women leaders.
The initiative will also support efforts to align county policies and development plans with Kenya’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, while encouraging greater budgetary support for gender-responsive peacebuilding interventions.
Experts have long argued that women remain underrepresented in formal peace and security processes despite evidence showing that their involvement contributes to more sustainable and inclusive solutions to community conflicts.
In coastal Kenya, women often bear the social and economic consequences of insecurity, including displacement, disruption of livelihoods and increased vulnerability to gender-based violence. Despite this, they frequently have limited influence over decisions aimed at addressing such challenges.
Resolution 1325
The programme is expected to work closely with civil society organisations, community leaders and government institutions to promote inclusive approaches to conflict prevention and community resilience.
Its implementation also aligns with ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action to strengthen the implementation of Kenya’s commitments under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Advocates say increasing women’s participation in peacebuilding is not only a matter of representation but also a critical component of building resilient communities capable of preventing and responding to conflict effectively.
As discussions around governance, inclusion and community security continue to gain prominence, stakeholders hope the initiative will help create pathways for more women to influence decisions affecting peace, development and social cohesion across the Coast region.
