Charlie Changa Bimuenyi, âgée de 38 ans, mariée et mère de deux enfants, est une défenseuse passionnée de l'éducation et des soins de santé publique. En tant qu'enseignante et responsable de la recherche au sein de l'Institut supérieur des techniques médicales (ISTM) de Kakenge en territoire de Mweka, province du Kasaï, elle joue un rôle clé dans la formation de la prochaine génération des professionnels de la santé, en veillant à ce que l'inclusivité et la diversité soient au cœur de l'éducation médicale. 

En plus de ses responsabilités académiques, Charlie est coordinatrice de la Plateforme des femmes de Kakenge (PFK), où elle travaille activement pour autonomiser les femmes, promouvoir l'égalité des sexes et favoriser le développement communautaire. Son engagement en faveur de l'inclusivité est évident à travers sa participation à divers programmes de sensibilisation communautaire, projets d'autonomisation économique et campagnes de santé publique visant à amplifier les voix et les opportunités des femmes dans la société. 

Avec le thème de la campagne pour 2024 qui est “Inspirer l'inclusion" et le thème global "Investir dans les femmes : Accélérer le progrès", les efforts de Charlie s'alignent parfaitement avec la mission d’établir une société plus inclusive et d'accélérer le progrès en investissant dans l'autonomisation des femmes. À travers son expertise en éducation médicale, en gestion et en mobilisation communautaire, Charlie incarne l'esprit d'inclusivité et agit comme un catalyseur de changement positif dans sa communauté, contribuant ainsi à l'avancement des femmes et à la réalisation d'une société plus équitable. 

I am Zahara Bashir, also known as Madam Ebla, an educationist with a 15-year career journey. I have served in various capacities, including as principal of secondary schools, shaping the academic landscape. Over the past decade, I’ve held senior positions within the county government of Mandera, Kenya, broadening my impact in public service.

Growing up in a religious family that valued peace and progress, I inherited a legacy that ignited my commitment to peacebuilding. Witnessing the devastating impact of inter-clan conflicts, I felt compelled to advocate for peace and cohesion. My unwavering dedication led to several projects supporting communities affected by war. In 2004, I established the Tumaini Educational Self-Help Group, empowering women through skills development. Later, in 2010, I initiated the Big Sisters, Little Sisters Mentorship Programme. Finally, in response to the Garreh-Degodia tribes clashes in Mandera County between 2013 and 2015, I founded the Yabicho Farm Project. The goal was to support victims, provide food, and promote a spirit of unity and cooperation.

In 2016, I had the honor of being nominated as a Working Group Member for Interpeace, serving in my capacity as a member of the Board for the Network for Peace, Cohesion, and Heritage (NEPCOH). NEPCOH actively supports the national government, county government, and local communities in the areas of intervention defined by Interpeace. Our collective efforts played a crucial role in facilitating peace talks across Kenya. In 2021, Interpeace acknowledged the alignment of the Yabicho Farm project with its core mandate. Together, we rallied behind over 50 farmers, nurturing hope for a harmonious future. This collaboration became a powerful symbol of resilience, transcending the scars of past conflicts. Our tireless work extended beyond cultivating crops; we also sowed the seeds of a better, more harmonious future for everyone involved. Rooted in hope, our partnership exemplifies the transformative impact of collaboration, a lesson applicable to other conflict-prone regions.

To my fellow women, I encourage you to embrace the power within each of you to foster peace. Begin by nurturing open dialogue, understanding, and unity within your communities. We can be agents and catalysts for positive transformation, leading with empathy and resilience. As the Somali saying wisely reminds us, “Nabad aya naas lanugo leeh” (only when peace prevails can a child suckle their mother comfortably). Let us stand for peace.

I also urge the government and peace actors to recognise women's invaluable role in building sustainable peace. Let’s address the root causes of conflict and review peacebuilding agreements and policies to create lasting change.

Le Burkina Faso fait face à des défis sécuritaires majeurs, marqués par une escalade de la violence liée aux attaques incessantes de groupes armés terroristes. Ces attaques visent des civils, des forces de sécurité et des infrastructures, principalement dans les régions du nord et de l'est du pays, et tendent à se répandre sur l’ensemble du territoire. Dans ce contexte, les femmes du Burkina Faso jouent un rôle essentiel dans la lutte pour la restauration de la paix et la promotion de la cohésion sociale. Elles sont touchées de manière disproportionnée par les conséquences de cette violence, comme victime directe des attaques, ou à la suite de la perte d’un ou plusieurs membres de leur famille. Elles subissent des déplacements forcés et sont exposées à des violations de leurs droits. Face à ces drames, les femmes ont pris l'initiative de s'organiser et de s'engager activement dans des efforts de médiation, de prévention des conflits et de plaidoyer en faveur de la paix.

C’est l’exemple de Madame Sabine Ouedraogo/Compaore, Amazone de la paix et présidente de la Coordination régionale des organisations féminines de la région au Sahel. Dans cette interview, elle nous décrit sa vision de la contribution des femmes du Burkina Faso à la paix et la résolution des conflits tant dans leur vie quotidienne, à travers leurs interactions de tous les jours, que par leur participation à des renforcements de capacité, des causeries et des sensibilisations, par exemple à travers l’outil « cercle de paix ».

Pour elle, l’engagement des femmes démontre leur force et leur résilience face à l'adversité et le rôle essentiel qu’elles jouent dans la société. Pour Sabine, un Burkina Faso pacifique et stable ne pourra se construire sans les femmes.

From the war-torn landscapes of Somalia to the corridors of power in political engagement to Cabdi-Asis commissioner, Roda Abdi Ali's journey is a testament to the enduring power of inclusion and resilience in the face of adversity. Born and raised in Abdulaziz District in Somalia, Roda’s early years were influenced by the intense civil unrest that affected the region in the early 1990s. Her family, once prominent figures in the community, faced tragedy as they were forced to flee their home in search of safety. During this time, Roda Abdi Ali's earned the nickname "Ubah," which means "flower" in Somali, symbolising her resilience and beauty amidst adversity. 

The journey to safety was extremely dangerous, as Ubah and her family travelled by boat from Kismaayo to Kenya. Sadly, their boat capsized, resulting in the loss of many lives. Remarkably, Ubah and 17 others survived, showcasing her bravery and resilience in the face of danger. After more than a year in Nairobi, Ubah took the opportunity to start a new chapter in the United Kingdom. Here, she laid the groundwork for her future pursuits while balancing motherhood with studies in human resource management. Her time in the UK offered valuable lessons on the significance of inclusivity and diversity in society, shaping her perspective and guiding her future path. 

In 1998, Ubah made the bold decision to embark on a new chapter in the United States, where she continued her studies and established the "Hope and Healing Home Health Care" programme. Inspired by her own experiences of trauma and displacement, Ubah programme provided vital support to individuals grappling with mental health issues, providing a source of hope during their most challenging times. 

In 2010, driven by a desire to give back to her homeland, Ubah returned to Africa, settling in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. She immersed herself in community rehabilitation efforts and ventured into the realm of politics, driven by her passion for women's empowerment and inclusive governance. During this time, she encountered allies such as Amina Mohamed Abdi (Somali: Aamina Maxamed Cabdi; 21 October 1981 – 23 March 2022), who supported her advocacy for women's rights and inclusion in governance. Despite facing discrimination and obstacles, Ubah determination led her to become the district commissioner of Cabdi-Asis. This historic milestone saw her ensuring that 90% of employees within the district were women. Through her leadership, she challenged stereotypes and promoted a fairer society, setting a precedent for gender parity in governance. Her achievements were recognised by organisations such as UN Women and the Talo-Waadaag programme led by Interpeace, which provided support for her initiatives. 

Ubah’s impact extended far beyond her district as she collaborated with organisations like Somali Women Without Borders and Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) to amplify women's voices and address critical issues such as gender-based violence and economic empowerment. Her tireless advocacy and inclusive leadership have inspired countless individuals to strive for equality and justice. 

As we commemorate International Women's Day, let Roda Abdi Ali's (Ubah)’s story serve as a beacon of hope for a future where barriers are broken down and inclusivity thrives for all. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of inclusion, demonstrating that with determination and solidarity, we can create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.