Summary
The goals of the Somalia Women and Youth Peace Project (SWYPP) is to 1) Strengthen the ability of existing local peace and governance structures to become more inclusive and supportive towards young people’s participation in conflict management within communities, and 2) Focus on wider community youth-led civic engagement and community-designed peace initiatives with an emphasis on the contested management of scarce land and limited access to livelihood opportunities that affect young people. As result, SWYPP will generate opportunities for young people to engage in civic spaces, claim their place in peacebuilding processes, and strengthen existing local peace structures to better strengthen a culture of peace and social cohesion within IDP and host communities in Banadir (Karaan and Hawlwadaag Districts) and Lower Shabelle in Southwest State (Barawe and Baidoa Bay). In close partnership with three youth and women-led Somali CSOs, Somali Youth Vision (SYV); Daryeel Bulsho Guud (DBG), and The Elman Peace and Human Rights Center (EPHRC), SWYPP will target at least a total of 3,150 direct beneficiaries and 15,750 indirect beneficiaries.
Introduction:
DBG is implementing the SWYPP project in Holwadaag district in Banadir region, targeting 630 direct beneficiaries inclusive of 38 district/local authorities in DBG has been closely working together with the consortium partners leading IRC on the inception phase to determine and establish continuous learning and cross-organizational knowledge and capacity Sharing
Program Descriptions
DBG implemented various activities, including:
Activity 1: Review composition of existing local peace and governance structures to map out opportunities for their expansion or revitalization
The project team conducted a one-day meeting to review the composition of existing local peace and governance structures in Hawlwadag District. The purpose of the review was to identify opportunities for expanding or revitalizing the structures to make them more inclusive and participative of young people.
The review was conducted through a series of consultations with members of local peace and governance structures, young people, and other stakeholders and local elders from the district. The meeting was attended by 15 members of existing Peace committee and 5 local elders representing the different community groups. The consultation meeting revealed that there are a number of opportunities for expanding or revitalizing the existing structures.
Additionally, the structure was not functioning well, and there is need for capacity building for these structures. The committee consisted of 15 members but no representation from all community groups. The team was reformed and 5 additional members consist of disabled people, minority groups and religious leaders were added to the team.
Specific Achievements:
The project team successfully conducted the review meeting composed of existing local. Peace and governance structures to map out opportunities for the expansion or revitalization of the committees. Participants included 15peoplefFrom existing local peace structures and 5 from different community groups and local authorities in Hawlwadag District to participant in the review and expansion of the Peace structures. The existing 15 members of the peace committee were dominated by old men and
Women and a few representation by the youth, young people with disabilities and Minority groups. The Participants were enthusiastic engaged and they made a number of valuable contributions to the discussions.
Conclusion
Acknowledging the identified gaps as opportunities for growth is pivotal for the committee sustainance. The Peace Committees can amplify their effectiveness by harnessing potential avenues, such as establishing an office, expanding community engagement, and enhancing documentation. These committees stand as beacons of hope, illuminating the path to a peaceful and prosperous Howlwadag District. By capitalizing on these opportunities, the Peace Committees can strengthen their capacity and enhance their impact on conflict resolution and community development.