Updates from around the World

From the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security

First of all, I wish to send my heartfelt congratulations to the 15 Georgetown students who earned their graduate certificate in Gender, Peace and Security (GPS) this academic year.

I am thrilled to know that a new generation of leaders for the Women, Peace and Security agenda are already doing the work and I am excited to see the impact they will have during their careers.

The Institute also hosted it’s third annual retreat for Afghan women leaders in may. The leaders gathered to hone their advocacy skills and coordinate their efforts to combat the Taliban’s escalating restrictions on Afghan women’s rights and detention of women’s rights activists inside the country. The event included workshops on policy and advocacy, discussions with members of the United Nations Human Rights Council and State Department, and a luncheon with former Chairperson of Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and the first Minister of Women’s Affairs of Afghanistan Dr. Sima Samar.

The annual retreat is a key component of GIWPS’ Onward for Afghan Women initiative, which aims to equip these exiled leaders with the skills and opportunities to continue their advocacy on behalf of Afghan women and girls.

In June, the German & Ukrainian governments hosted the first truly gender and civil society-inclusive Ukraine Recovery Conference. GIWPS were honored to be an official participant and co-host an event on gender mainstreaming in Ukraine’s recovery. It’s vital we maintain the momentum and ensure next year’s conference in Italy continues to center women at the core of Ukraine's economic and social recovery.

From the United Kingdom

Human rights lawyer and defender, and long-time friend, Baroness Shami Chakrabarti published her book Human Rights: The Case for the Defence in May, to widespread critical acclaim. Outlining the historic national and international struggles for human rights, from the fall of Babylon, to the present day, Shami acts as a guide to the law and logic underpinning human dignity and universal freedoms.

When reviewing Human Rights: The Case for the Defence, Peter Hennessy wrote:

Even within the most open of societies, the case for human rights has to be refashioned in each generation. Shami Chakrabarti's pages glow with the persuasive gifts and 30 years' of practical experience she brings to her task

From the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

At the beginning of June, GIWPS colleague Estelle Clayton visited the DRC as part of a working trip for the non-profit organization Malaika.

Please read Estelle’s testimony below:

At the beginning of June, 2024, I had the pleasure of making my first trip to Malaika, and my first trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). For those who may not know, Malaika is an African grassroots organization that empowers girls and their communities in the DRC. Malaika’s ecosystem centers around five pillars: education, community-building, vocational training, agriculture, and clean water. I work with malaika as their Development Officer, contributing to fundraising efforts, monitoring and evaluation, and project management.

Visiting Malaika was a profoundly inspiring experience that showcased the transformative power of education and community development. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warmth and resilience of the Kalebuka community. Malaika's holistic approach to empowerment is evident in every aspect of their work, and it was an honor to witness their impact firsthand.

During my visit, I worked closely with the team to refine our Monitoring & Evaluation processes, worked on our female entrepreneurship initiative, and conducted interviews with secondary school students and community center participants. These interviews provided valuable insights into their experiences and the positive changes brought about by Malaika's initiatives. Hearing firsthand accounts from students and community members was both inspiring and informative, reinforcing the importance of our work.

One of the highlights of my trip was spending time at the Community Center and playing football with the girls' team. The enthusiasm and energy of the girls were infectious, and it was incredible to witness their dedication and teamwork on the field. This experience not only provided a fun and engaging way to connect with the community but also highlighted the importance of sports in building confidence and fostering a sense of unity and empowerment among the girls.

Overall, this trip was a testament to the incredible work being done at Malaika. It reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education and community support. Malaika is not just changing lives; it is building a brighter future for the entire Kalebuka community. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey and look forward to supporting Malaika's mission in any way I can.

If you would like to read more about Malaika’s work or donate to their impactful work, please visit their website at www.malaika.org or search for them on social media @MalaikaDRC

Estelle can be contacted on LinkedIn or at estelle@estelleclayton.org