Women Investing in More Secure Environments - Phase II

This project aims to support women and female youth leaders to drive peaceful change in the conflict-affected regions of Gao Timbuktu and Menaka in Mali. Women Investing in More Secure Environments’ (WISE II) goal is to build the skills and confidence of women to engage in advocacy local governance and in promoting peace. Project activities include: (1) strengthening women’s networks and linkages to amplify their voices and impact; (2) engaging with male advocates in particular local leaders to support women leaders in their efforts to push forward concrete change; (3) trained women leaders engaging other women at the community level through women’s associations and other structures to mobilize a women’s movement to enhance understanding of the peace process; and (4) promoting peace and enhanced security; and (5) advocating for investments in community development and social services to promote peaceful and productive communities. WISE II seeks to increase the skills of 240 women leaders engage 3 600 local women in peace campaigns and secure the support of local and national leaders for local community development initiatives that enhance the development and rights of women and girls.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) women have increased skills and opportunities to participate in community governance and decision-making on peace security and development needs with a strong emphasis on training the next generation of young women leaders; (2) women’s civil society networks promote peace and advocate for security and governance reforms that will contribute to lasting peace in Mali; and (3) community leaders who are predominately men consider the needs of women and girls in local development initiatives and support greater participation of women leaders in local governance processes.