During a workshop focusing on creating synergies and recognizing the interconnectedness between the women peace and security and the children peace and security agendas, participants highlighted the Essential role women play in advancing the protection and promotion of the rights of children especially those violated in conflict situations.
The one-day workshop, organized by the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security in collaboration with its partner institutions; the Rwanda Defence Force and the Rwanda National Police, was held on May 22, and brought together women peacekeepers from across the region in positions to influence policy and programming. The workshop aimed to share personal experiences from peacekeeping operations, discuss the added value of female involvement, and outline lessons learned and future actions to support the effective implementation of the Vancouver Principles on UN peacekeeping and the prevention of the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.
Major Jacquelyn Nakayenze from Uganda People’s Defence Force emphasized on the need for continuous advocacy and grassroots engagement. She noted that despite numerous mechanisms and institutions in place, the issue persists due to a lack of widespread change and community involvement.
"It is important to educate communities about the negative effects of engaging children in committing violence and the necessity for political will to prioritize child protection within the security agenda,” she said.
Dr. Alida Furaha, a senior lecturer at the University of Rwanda&039;s Center for Conflict Management, discussed the importance of women in creating relationships with communities to prevent violations committed against children both in peace time and conflict situations.
"Eradicating recruitment and use of children to engage in violent activities can’t be done overnight, it is a process that requires joint effort, and in the case of women in security organs mainly those participating in peacekeeping, they need to behave in ways that build trust and compliance with norms, tailored to the local context in fighting the issue,” she stated.
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CIP Rose Nyinawumuntu from Rwanda National Police (RNP), described the workshop as a wake-up call. She stressed that women in security roles are often seen as parental figures, which can be advantageous in educating communities.
"There is a need for collective efforts, and educate more about children's rights, and protect them in general. Additionally, changing mindsets from the grassroots level is essential,” she added.
Major General (Rtd) Ferdinand Safari, Director of the Dallaire Institute African Centre of Excellence, emphasized on the critical role of women in peacekeeping operations, and their contribution to preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and armed violence situations.
"As we delve into today's discussions, let us remember that every insight shared here and every decision made contributes to facilitating armed conflict resolution and reducing violence especially those committed against children. Your commitment and the important perspectives you bring are essential,” he said.
Meanwhile, The Dallaire Institute, in collaboration with the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP), has successfully concluded a four-year gender-focused project to reduce the recruitment and use of children in armed violence and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). This project focuses on building the capacity of national military and police forces, particularly female personnel.
The project has positioned the RDF and RNP as global leaders in promoting the role of women in preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. It has also enhanced the capacities of RDF and RNP trainers, expanding the roster of female trainers skilled in delivering modules on this critical issue.
Building on these achievements, the workshop was also in line with follow-up discussions on the role of women in advancing the Vancouver Principles within domestic security and peacekeeping operations, where the goal is to expand existing literature, gather lessons learned on effective practices, and share these insights with other countries in the region and beyond.