KAMPALA, Uganda — The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Uganda chapter has urged governments, civil society, and global partners to take more decisive action in advancing sustainable peace through women’s full and equal participation. The call was made as the organization joined the international community in marking the 7th anniversary of International Women’s Peace Day.
Observed annually on April 26, International Women’s Peace Day declared in 2019, serves as a global appeal to end conflict and institutionalize peace. Central to this vision is the adoption of international legal instruments such as the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), which promotes frameworks for preventing war and protecting human life.
In its press statement, IWPG Uganda acknowledged that while progress has been made both globally and nationally in recognizing women’s role in peacebuilding, significant gaps remain. According to UN Women (2023), women account for just 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators, and 6% of signatories in formal peace processes worldwide. This underrepresentation persists despite clear evidence that peace agreements are more durable and effective when women are actively involved.
Within Uganda, the organization highlighted notable strides in women’s political representation and grassroots peace initiatives. However, it raised concern over the continued prevalence of gender-based violence, which remains a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace. Data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and ICF reveals that 51% of ever-married women aged 15–49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.
IWPG Uganda stressed that these challenges reflect a broader failure to convert policy commitments into sustained action. The organization warned that without intentional efforts to institutionalize peace, strengthen prevention strategies, and ensure women’s inclusion at all levels of decision-making, meaningful and lasting peace will remain out of reach.
The group called on the Government of Uganda to strengthen implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and to support the domestication of international legal frameworks such as the DPCW. It also urged civil society organizations, development partners, and the international community to increase investment in women-led peacebuilding and peace education programs.
Additionally, IWPG Uganda appealed to the media and the public to foster a culture of non-violence and to amplify women’s voices and leadership in peace processes.
As the world marks International Women’s Peace Day, IWPG Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to advancing peace through advocacy, partnerships, and the promotion of global frameworks aimed at ending war and safeguarding human life.
