On 8 October 2013, the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) brought together in El Fasher about 40 women representatives of civil society organizations from North Darfur to a workshop to deliberate on the implementation of provisions of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) which relate to women.
The objectives of the forum, which was organized by the Mission’s Gender Advisory Unit was to facilitate initial discussions towards developing a clear and unified position of Darfuri women on all issues related to DDPD implementation, establishing a framework for future consultations and dialogue with women on the peace process and strengthening relations among women groups.
The participants highlighted the need for more capacity building, training, construction and funding of women centres in different localities to create space to continue the peace dialogue. They also called for more meetings between the women associations and the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA), more representation of women in peace negotiations, as well as women’s participation in the dialogue and reconciliation efforts of the Ajaweed (community leaders) council.
Addressing the session, the Chief of the UNAMID Gender Unit, Ms. Yegerawork Angagaw, said that the DDPD addresses security, political, social and economic issues which are fundamental bases for any sustainable peace process. These goals can be achieved through continuous dialogue amongst different groups.
“The UNAMID Gender Unit recognizes that women civil society groups in Darfur have played a significant role in the Darfur peace process particularly in terms of reconciliation and delivery of services to victims and I urge you all to come together under one umbrella for better coordination” she added.
Ms. Angagaw reiterated the Mission’s commitment to supporting the efforts of women’s participation and integration of the gender perspective in Darfur’s peace and political processes.
