Nairobi: A non-governmental organisation has unveiled a programme that aims to strengthen women leadership in peace and security in the coastal region. Dubbed Mwanamke Imara, the two-year project is being spearheaded by Search for Common Grounds in collaboration with the Republic of Canada.

According to Kenya News Agency, Search for Common Grounds Chief Executive Officer Ms. Judy Kimamo, during an interview with the media at the project's launch in Nairobi, highlighted that the programme will also promote peace and security for women and young people. 'Today we are here launching a project that is focusing on strengthening women's leadership in peace and security in the coastal regions of Kenya. And over the next two years we are looking forward to working with state departments and agencies that are working on peace and security and in the criminal justice system as well as community networks to strengthen the role of women in peace and security,' she said.

Ms. Kimamo emphasized that the initiative seeks to complement government efforts in promoting peace and security among communities within the coast and other parts of the country. She noted that Kenya is a party to the women peace and security agenda, and there is a national action plan on the same. She stressed the importance of trust building to address issues of insecurity and threats facing communities, particularly ensuring safety for young girls.

The launch event in Nairobi featured stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives from state agencies, IGAD, the National Gender and Equality Commission, and civil society actors. Ms. Kimamo underscored the necessity of collaboration in peacebuilding and security, stating that it is crucial for security actors to work together to ensure the safety of the country and its borders.

Ms. Martha Njiri, head of Strategic Communication at the IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, also spoke at the event. She highlighted the critical role women play in the fight against violent extremism, emphasizing the need for their inclusion in peace and security efforts. Ms. Njiri urged the government to provide women with platforms to contribute their knowledge and strength to these efforts.

Dr. Duncan Ochieng, representing the National Police Service Commission, welcomed the Mwanamke Imara project, describing it as timely. He highlighted the importance of empowering the public and leveraging women's leadership to counter violent extremism.

Ms. Njiri further lauded the project, expressing enthusiasm for continued collaboration with Search for Common Ground to strengthen women leadership in criminal justice and state security, as a part of the broader conversation on combating violent extremism and terrorism.