Episode Forty: Shaping the future of WPS through women's inclusion and participation

In this pivotal episode of She Stands for Peace, we delve into the transformative power of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and its potential to reshape the future through inclusion and participation. As we near the 25th anniversary of the landmark UN Resolution 1325, we critically examine the progress made and the hurdles that persist in amplifying women's voices in conflict prevention and peacebuilding across Africa.  Dr. Rabab Mohammed Ali Baldo, the Senior Gender Advisor to the IGAD Special Envoy on South Sudan, shares her insights on the varying degrees of women's involvement in peace processes, emphasizing the importance of their active and informed participation to influence outcomes meaningfully.  With the introduction of the UN Secretary-General's New Agenda for Peace, we explore the call for dismantling patriarchal power structures and the necessity for systemic change to ensure gender equality. SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Head of the UN Office to the African Union, discusses the need for concrete actions to transform gender norms and the role of the upcoming Summit of the Future in advancing this agenda.  Furthermore, we hear from Cynthia Chingwenya, a former African Union Africa Youth Ambassador for Peace for Southern Africa, who highlights the strides and setbacks in youth engagement, particularly the representation and participation of young women in peace and security matters.  Lastly, we revisit the challenges of political participation for young women through the candid experience of Kenyan politician Editar Ochieng, confronting the reality of violence and the lack of support faced by women candidates.  Join us as we embark on a new season format, unpacking the four pillars of WPS with experts at the helm of change. Tune in to understand how women's inclusion and participation are not just idealistic goals but essential elements for sustainable peace and security in Africa.  Stand for peace with Africa's Women, Peace, and Security agenda!  Highlights  - WPS Agenda and the Future of Inclusion- Dr. Rabab Mohammed Ali Baldo's Experiences  - UN's New Agenda for Peace- SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga's Insights  - Youth Engagement and Women's Participation with Cynthia Shingwenya  - Political Participation Challenges with Editar Ochieng