Gender justice, political participation and social inclusion are prerequisites for lasting peace. But too little is being done in peace policy to overcome structural violence, economic and social discrimination. Too little attention is being paid to the special situation of women and girls in armed conflicts and war. As a feminist peace organisation, we work together with our project partners and peace activists from all over the world to promote peace and demilitarisation. In doing so, we strive for structural change and towards peace and gender justice. Our work is based on universally accepted human rights standards and follows a holistic feminist approach.
Gender-based violence is one of the most common human rights violations worldwide. Particularly in conflict-affected contexts various forms of violence against women and LGBTIQ persons increase. Gender-based violence is a major obstacle on the path to gender justice and lasting peace.
Struggles over land, resources or political power are the main reasons for the violent conflicts that regularly flare up in certain regions of Kenya. Although many women are active in peacebuilding within their families and communities, they lack recognition, specific knowledge and access to resources and larger networks. This is where our project comes in.
* The projects were completed in 2024. Currently, we are not active in Burundi. *
For decades, Burundi has been rocked by recurring armed conflicts. Women are particularly affected: more than half experience gender-based violence in the course of their lives. The unstable situation in the country increases the physical, social and economic vulnerability of women and girls. We support the healing, social reintegration and economic independence of these women.
War has been raging in eastern Ukraine since 2014. In 2022, Russia expanded its war of aggression in eastern Ukraine and to other parts of the country. As early as summer 2021, we launched a pilot programme in conflict-affected communities along the then-contact line between Russia and regions in eastern Ukraine, where women for years have been affected by rampant poverty, social insecurity and gender-based violence. Our Ukraine programme gave them the space they needed to work together on strategies for safety and security in their daily lives and equal participation in peacebuilding. We continue building peace with them during the war.